The Government of Canada is taking new initiatives in order to protect the marine environment from spills and the threat of pollution. Under the Oceans Protection Plan, Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays – Central – Notre Dame, announced that in the coming months the Canadian Coast Guard will be seeking proposals from qualified marine salvage companies for bulk oil removal from the wreck of the Manolis L.
The plan is a $1.5 billion investment that aims to protect Canada’s coasts and waters, and the recently proposed Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act will help address risks posed by vessels.
The Manolis L. had sank in January 1985 near Change Islands in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2013, oil pollution was noticed from the wreck and ever since, the Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response team has been on scene to ensure that no significant threats to the public and environment have occurred, by conducting regular monitoring, underwater hull surveys and annual maintenance to contain leaks from the damaged hull.
A technical assessment in September 2016 suggested bulk oil removal from the Manolis L, so as to reduce the potential risk of pollution that the vessel poses.
According to the Request for Proposals, a contract will be awarded by spring 2018 with oil removal operations to take place in summer 2018.
“Protection of the marine environment and the safety of those at sea are top priorities for the Canadian Coast Guard, and this request for proposals further strengthens the Government of Canada’s commitment to effectively dealing with wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels,” the Canadian government said.