Oil spill simulation shows far-reaching results

By Colleen Kimmett / The Tyee
Published February 12, 2014

Oil spilled in Vancouver harbour could reach as far north as Haida Gwaii, according to results of a research project launched by two environmental groups last fall.

In October, the Georgia Straight Alliance and Raincoast Conservation Foundation dropped hundreds of yellow plywood drift cards between Vancouver and Victoria — a route oil tankers take from Burrard Inlet to the open ocean. This drift card method is one used by the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration and others to simulate the trajectory of oil and other pollutants on water.

Ross Dixon, policy and program manager with the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, told The Tyee they received an email last week from a citizen in the tiny community of Tlell, Haida Gwaii, with a photo of a drift card he had found on his morning walk…

To read the full article please visit The Tyee website.

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