INSIDE

Firefighters up their skill quotient

By Meg Olson

Members of the local fire department now have the skills to corral a significant oil spill using equipment the state has parked at the local marina.

“Preventing oil spills is our highest priority,” said department of ecology (DOE) responder Carl Andersen. “But if a spill does occur, it is crucial that first responders have the right equipment close at hand for a rapid response. A quick response can help minimize environmental damage and cleanup costs.”

Andersen and trainers from Global Diving and Salvage came to Point Roberts on February 8 to teach local first responders how to use the $20,000 mobile spill kit parked at the marina since December.
“What we have is some tools and equipment in there and a thousand feet of boom to stop an oil spill from leaving, or entering, the marina,” said assistant fire chief Nick Kiniski.

“If a boat sunk and was leaking we could circle the boat and block it in. Or if there was a big spill in the Gulf of Georgia we could anchor it across the entrance. It’s bigger than anything the marina ever had so it will be especially effective in rough weather.”

The spill response unit is one of 60 the DOE plans to locate in waterfront communities throughout the state thanks to $1.45 million approved by state lawmakers for the program.