Oct
26
James Bay Neighbourhood Association
An on-going Beacon feature on land use & planning - to alert, inform, and prompt community action - and to celebrate success!
James Bay residents have long suspected that the cruise ship industry is a major contributor to environmental and social damage to the community. The data is in. We were right.
A series of environmental impact studies by the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) and the James Bay Neighbourhood Association (JBNA) together present a disturbing picture of our environment.
Did You Know?
- that Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) levels in James Bay were found to be triple the values predicted?
- that 24-hour SO2 values exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on 16% of the days, and on 23.6% of the days when cruise ships were in port from June through August, 2009?
The Chief Medical Health Officer of VIHA linked high levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) to cruise ship activity, and stated "short term health effects could occur in not only those expected to be susceptible but also individuals not normally considered being at risk".
Dr. Stanwick's recommendations include:
continuation of air quality monitoring,
health advisories for residents susceptible to high levels of SO2,
lease language in GVHA contracts to require low sulphur fuel use, and
responsible organizations NOT wait until 2012 to reduce SO2 emission levels.
To complete the environmental impact studies, the JBNA carried out traffic volume and noise studies, and a Residents Quality of Life Survey.
The 2008 traffic volume study (using 2007 traffic counts) indicated that, on average, each cruise ship generates 317 additional vehicles along the Dallas-Erie route. The 2009 noise study revealed a 24-hour noise level Ldn maximum of 65.6 dBA on a cruise-ship day, "roughly a doubling of all transportation noises over the day."
The Residents Survey identified traffic volumes, noise and air pollution as the highest priorities among 28 categories requiring attention. Tourist bus - quantity and noise, motorcycles, cruise ship emissions, and float plane noise were top ranked among 11 traffic/transportation priorities identified in the survey.
The participation rate of 573 residents provided a high level of confidence in survey results.
Although the JBNA Board has requested action from the organizations most connected to the source, control, and management of the cruise-ship related issues, namely GVHA and the City of Victoria, neither has taken action to lower or contain SO2 levels or to reduce tourist bus traffic volume or noise levels.
What Have We Accomplished in 2010?
(please see reports on web-page jbna.org)
- air and noise pollution
The JBNA requested that the City and GVHA resolve air pollution and traffic problems, advised cruise ship operators of the problems and requested that they take action, and presented the cruise tourism impact study to both the City Environment & Infrastructure Standing Committee (February) and to the GVHA Board (April).
The JBNA Board position is that "when ships turn into Ogden Point, they leave federal waters and GVHA is responsible for ship pollution created while berthed".
The Board prepared an overview of the issues for presentation to the City Governance & Priorities Committee in April. Initially cancelled because the Mayor wanted to allow time for staff response, the Board was subsequently informed that the JBNA, as a Neighbourhood Association, would not be allowed presentation access to the Committee. Although the JBNA is not allowed access, the GVHA made a presentation to the City's Governance & Priorities meeting in April.
In May, the JBNA Board formally requested that the City ensure GVHA compliance with M-2 Light Industrial Zoning which states "The following uses are permitted, provided they are not noxious or offensive to the immediate neighbourhood or the general public by reason of emitting odours, dust, smoke, gas, noise, effluent or hazard: (g) docks, wharves and piers".
- other areas
The Board gathered survey comments and data concerning "law & order" issues and presented them to the Associate Police Chief.
The Board also invited BC Transit to a general JBNA meeting. BC Transit is expected to return in a few months to discuss specific transit possibilities for James Bay.
GVHA, City and CRD Actions
To date, the JBNA Board is unaware of any mitigative actions taken to improve the air quality or noise impacts of the cruise ship industry.
GVHA has requested federal funding to support the cruise ship industry. A GVHA spokesperson has asserted, without further collection of data, that air quality has improved.
"Discussions" between VIHA and the City, and the City and GVHA are occurring.
Mayor Fortin advised Transport Minister Baird of concerns regarding air quality and sulphur content of fuels without requesting air monitoring or enforcement.
The Capital Region District (CRD) cancelled its air quality monitoring program. Although the cessation of the program had been targeted for 2010, we had expected the program to be continued by the CRD, or by the City, in response to the VIHA Health Review & Response and the CRD's 2008 report issued last November which stated. "SO2 from cruise ships unequivocally has the greatest effect on ambient concentrations ... at the Topaz site ... Perhaps of greater concern is the factor of 5 ... high enough in the James Bay community to be of concern for human health impacts".
Outstanding Requests of City
In addition to seeking resolution of cruise tourism related pollution, the Board continues to request the City measure harbour aerodrome impacts. The JBNA Board believes that air quality and noise impacts of cruise industry and aerodrome activities should be disclosed to residents and visitors.
The following actions requested of the City fall within its mandate and delegated powers:
ensure GVHA compliance with M-2 Zoning i.e. activities compatible with residential areas.
advise residents/visitors of days when high SO2 levels are expected (108 days - 2010).
install air quality monitoring equipment to provide notice of elevated levels of SO2 and other air-pollutants created by cruise activity and aircraft.
commission an independent Aeronautical Study of the airport to determine extent of marine and aviation safety oversights and whether "unobstructed airspace for the landing and taking off of aircraft", as required under the Canada Marine Act, is provided by 'coffin' zoning.
establish near-term goals to reduce, until phased out, large buses operating in James Bay (excepting BC Transit).
work with JBNA to revise the 1996 JB Neighbourhood Transportation Plan, addressing traffic volume and street safety.
install noise monitoring equipment to advise residents of single event noise levels and L(eq) levels.
We are unaware of any City action on the above items to mitigate airshed emissions, large vehicle traffic volume and noise impacts.
Where Should We Go from Here?
The JBNA Board seeks the advice of James Bay residents.
Letter writing appears not to have worked. We need a strategy that will move politicians and bureaucrats beyond talk and into appropriate action.
What strategy/action should JBNA take towards resolution of pollution (inappropriate bus use, air, and noise)? Are you able to contribute to the strategy/action you suggest?
Please forward your advice to the JBNA Board at the November 10 JBNA meeting, by e-mail to jbna@vcn.bc.ca or by delivery or mail to
JBNA c/o New Horizons 234 Menzies St. Victoria, V8V 2G7
Tim VanAlstine, Pres, JBNA 316 Montreal St. Victoria, V8V 1Z5
October & November Meetings
- On October 13th Lynn Hunter was welcomed as the new Council liaison to the JBNA, replacing Councilor Madoff who will now sit on the GVHA Board.
- Join Us for the next JBNA meeting on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 7 p.m. at New Horizons for a presentation of the Royal BC Museum Redevelopment Proposal. Come early to see the model and schematics.