Husky Oil Spill Assessment – Idle No More
Independent Primary Assessment of Husky Energy Oil Contamination into Saskatchewan River Report Released Today
The report is the result of collaboration between Idle No More, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Council of Canadians, the National Aboriginal People’s Circle, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (Prairie Region), and others, in response to the lack of independent information surrounding the July 20, 2016 Husky Energy oil spill. The report covers basic information on oil spills in waterways, potential risks to health and ecology, interpretation of lab results, and recommendations for future actions and monitoring.
The report was written by independent scientists from E-Tech International and Resurgence Environmental as a response to communities concerned with the secrecy and slow response of Husky Energy after the North Saskatchewan River oil spill. The report provides information on the behaviour and health risks associated with the spill, a critical analysis of the inadequate response by Husky, and sediment sample results that show the contamination has reached at least as far as the Cecil Ferry downstream of Prince Albert.
Summary of Findings:
- Husky’s late reaction to the July 20th, 2016 oil spill (14 hour delay) allowed time for the spill to travel much further downstream than if they had reacted immediately. It also allowed time for the heavier components of the diluted crude oil to attach to sediment particles and submerge into the water column and to the bottom of the North Saskatchewan River.
- Husky Energy has not been transparent with its sampling data or cleanup plans.
- Husky Energy did not warn residents of the health risks associated with evaporating BTEX-group chemicals and other volatile compounds that are present in peak concentrations in the first 48 hours after a spill. Husky should have warned residents (especially children and pregnant women) to stay away from the river immediately after the spill.
- E-Tech/RE samples showed the presence of BTEX chemicals and PAHs at the Tobey Nollet Bridge and the Cecil Ferry downstream of Prince Albert. The specific PAHs found at Cecil Ferry were all found near the spill site at Tobey Nollet Bridge, indicating that the hydrocarbons at Cecil Ferry are very likely the result of the July 20th Husky spill.
- Infrastructure improvements need to be a priority in order to prevent further spills. Husky should disclose all of its pipeline inspection data, its pipeline maintenance schedule, and the ages of all sections of pipeline. Soil stability also needs to be considered an integral component of pipeline stability and geotechnical data near pipeline supports should be provided by Husky.
- The James Smith Cree Nation needs to be supported in its effort to mitigate and monitor the damage to their traditional territory. Funds should be made available to communities interested in conducting their own mitigation and monitoring efforts. E-Tech/RE can assist in training local environmental monitors.
The full E-Tech International and Resurgence Environmental report can be found here: http://bit.ly/2clIUv2
For more information contact: info@idlenomore.ca or
Ricardo Segovia, 604-704-1232
This Thursday, July 7th, join Idle No More and Defenders of the Land in a free webinar organized by Indigenous Climate Action:
“Clearcutting has destroyed our lands to the point that we are unable to hunt, fish or gather medicines and berries – everything we need to sustain our health and cultures” Kurtis McAdam (Saysewahum), Idle No More organizer and Trap Line Holder
Open Invitation To Attend & Support:
.
Idle No More organizers stand in solidarity with the family of Berta Cáceres, the Lenca people, and the people of Honduras. We extend our deepest condolences for the irreplaceable loss that is felt worldwide.
“We as Idle No More have put forward the voices of women, the voices of two-spirited people, and the voices of youth. This has really galvanized voices that haven’t been part of this thinking or a part of democracy in Canada. Idle No More has been really amazing at raising the question of democracy and how we’re going to run this country, and whose voices are really going to be at the table, to the forefront of all of our struggles. I think all the struggles do come together under Indigenous rights.” Wanda Nanibush – Beausoleil First Nation, Idle No More Organizer
The One House Many Nations campaign raises awareness about housing conditions and pressures governments to live up to their Treaty, moral, and legal responsibilities, in addition to providing homes. We are starting a pilot project with the goal of creating a small sustainable village. Sustainable forms of energy such as solar and wind are extremely expensive to access and install especially in non-urban settings. An associated think tank would connect current partners with experts who have the technology and skills to produce small sustainable communities.
The lack of access to basic needs such as housing and water in First Nations communities is an aspect of ongoing colonialism and racism that must be addressed. Indigenous peoples living on First Nations are on the front lines of resistance to resource extraction. The OHMN Next Steps intervenes in the many levels of exploitation that continues on Indigenous territories. 
We call upon the Original Nations of Mexico to stand in solidarity with all Nations Indigenous Peoples in rejection of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), as yet another violation of our Human Rights, our Rights as Indigenous Peoples, and an assault on the Rights of Mother Earth.
Hacemos un llamado a las Naciones Originarias de México para estar en solidaridad con todos los pueblos originarios y las Naciones de Pueblos Indígenas en el rechazo del Acuerdo Trans Pacifico TPP como otra violación mas de nuestros derechos humanos, nuestros derechos como pueblos indígenas, y un asalto a los Derechos de la Madre Tierra.