Environmental impact of shipping in Canada

Environmental impact of shipping in Canada

A couple of decades ago, the industrial effects on the environment were a far-away topic. Certainly, something to be talked about and considered; but definitely not an urgent issue. However, as 2020 draws near, we are in an entirely different situation. These days, climate change and the industrial impacts on the environment are an extremely contemporary topic. Examining things like the environmental impact of shipping in Canada, and other countries and regions near the Arctic circle is more important than ever. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at the recent findings below!

Shipping Impact on The Environment

Regardless of what kind of industrial activity we’re talking about, there’s always some sort of environmental impact happening as a result. And sure, it could be a lower carbon footprint if the industry in question is eco-conscious; but it’s never completely devoid of effects on nature. Also, there’s the issue of people simply not considering all industries as potential polluters. When we think about industries that harm nature, funnily enough, we picture the Victorian coal factories spewing out columns of black smoke into the sky.

Contemporary Pollutants

But these days, pollution is more subtle; and thus, possibly more dangerous. Even the environmental impact of shipping in Canada is far bigger than people usually give it credit for. And it’s not just huge shipping disasters that cause problems for the environment. In fact, negative impacts can happen due to the most regular transport operations you can think of. Even Sudbury has relocation specialists that have some kind of carbon footprint. And when it comes to seaside transport, the problem becomes even bigger; in water, the problem is far harder to eradicate, and it can remain in the ecosystem long after the culprit (ship) departs.

But with that in mind, just what kind of pollution exists due to shipping in Canadian waters? We’ll delve into more details below, with a specific focus on toxic discharge.

Potential Impacts

As you may have gathered, global warming does not occur just because of huge industrial complexes. Even a small ship can cause damage if it makes a discharge in the water. And this happens in two different circumstances; on purpose, during its regular operation, or because of accidents and incidents. There are quite a few varying kinds of discharges, like grey water, sewage, oil, garbage, etc.

The different impacts that discharges present to the global environment vary in range and degree. For example, one of the environmental effects of shipping in Canada is the fact that discharges of oil kill off marine life in the ocean. Plus, they are notoriously difficult to clean up. If they set into the marine environment and the ocean sediment rocks, they can basically remain uncleaned for years. And species that have exposure to the oil are known to develop extreme problems with development. Their reproductive cycles get disturbed, and they’re also more susceptible to all kinds of diseases.

Regulatory Controls

While the international shipping community does exist despite its sometimes dangerous effects on the environment, it’s still highly regulated. When it comes to the environmental impact of shipping in Canada, there is quite a lot of legislation guiding the assorted industries in their transport conduct. For example - in regards to waste discharge near the Arctic, the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act exists as a safeguard against adverse effects on the marine habitat. The AWPPA forbids any waste discharge, barring that the waste is untreated sewage, which has no dangerous effects on the environment. Also, the Act prescribes the existence of Pollution Prevention Officers. They’re there to enforce the ban on industrial waste discharge.

Large factories aren’t the only thing polluting the environment!

Waste Definitions

In order to properly deal with the adverse environmental impact of shipping in Canada, the AWPPA does ban most kinds of waste discharge from occurring near the Arctic. In order to do that, the legislators first had to define the types of waste that the Act will ban, and what exactly constitutes dangerous waste in the first place. Bearing this in mind, the Act gives the following definitions:

●       Substances that, in contact with water, alter or degrade the quality of said water enough to make it dangerous for ingestion and/or use by the plants, fish, animals, and humans.

●       Water that has a significant concentration or quantity of a substance that would alter or degrade the quality of said water enough to make it dangerous for ingestion and/or use by the plants, fish, animals, and humans.

●       Water that has been changed, processed or otherwise treated in a way that would make it dangerous to the above-mentioned species.

When it comes to oil, it has an entirely separate regulatory framework for spillage prevention; the Regulations for Dangerous Chemicals and Pollution Prevention.

Toxic waste discharge is detrimental to all marine life!

Sewage

As we’ve mentioned above, sewage discharge is governed by the regulations found in the AWPPA; at least when it comes to Arctic waters. As of now, the regulations regarding pollution prevention in arctic shipping make allowances for the discharge of animal or human waste; when it was generated on the ship itself.

The beautiful sights of the Arctic circle might not be available for sightseeing if the environment is not preserved!

Conclusion

As you might’ve already realized on your own, the environmental impact of shipping in Canada is not small. But on the other hand, it’s nice knowing that the Canadian authorities have extensive regulations on waste discharge in their waters and the surrounding area. While further efforts are definitely needed in order to preserve the environment over the long term, this is a significant first step. 

Acknowledgment
We thank the contribution of Lisa Roberts