Domestic Stories

Completing the Arctic mission while protecting the environment

By Darlene Blakeley

Steaming through the frigid gray waters of the Arctic, icebergs dotting the horizon, naval vessels work diligently to ensure their presence does not harm this unique marine ecosystem.

Whether it is submarines, maritime coastal defence vessels, frigates or the new Arctic/offshore patrol vessels which will put to sea in 2013, the Navy takes its environmental stewardship of the Arctic’s pristine waters very seriously.

Credit:  MCpl Blake Rodgers HMC Ships Fredericton, Summerside and Corner Brook during recent exercises in Canada’s North.

“The Navy abides by the principles of due diligence and environmental stewardship and makes every effort to minimize the impact of naval operations on the environment,” says Noel Sabbagh, Chief of the Maritime Staff Pollution Prevention Officer. “The Navy’s policies meet or exceed federal regulations governing pollution prevention in the Arctic.”

In fact, the Navy is currently reviewing its environmental practices in Arctic waters as part of an ongoing process to ensure that policies and procedures reflect environmental best practices, and are compliant with evolving federal legislation.

With the government’s revitalized emphasis on sovereignty in the North, the Navy will see increased operations in this area.

“The Navy is very aware of environmental issues in the Arctic,” says Carol Lee Giffin, Formation Safety and Environment Officer, Maritime Forces Atlantic. “We need to ensure our policies and procedures are compliant, while still completing our mission on behalf of Canada.”

Although the discharge of raw sewage in the Arctic is permitted by federal legislation, the Navy has adopted a more stringent approach. Current Arctic naval operational guidelines dictate that only treated sewage may be discharged from surface ships in the Arctic.

With respect to oily water, the Navy’s current practice in the Arctic is to retain it onboard and dispose of it properly ashore. Likewise, the Navy collects and disposes of all solid waste ashore, including food waste, unless emergency or health and safety issues to the ship or crew dictate otherwise.

The Navy also reduces its marine environmental footprint through a number of other means. Ships routinely practice the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle. All solid waste is collected and separated, biodegradable soaps and detergents are used onboard, and ships are careful to avoid areas of marine mammal activity.

“We also work very closely and successfully with communities in the Arctic for every deployment, particularly with regard to the disposal of solid waste,” explains Ms. Giffin.

Beyond complying with existing legislation, the Navy makes every reasonable attempt to minimize the impact of its activities on the marine environment through the application of appropriate technology, resources and risk management practices.

“The Navy is committed to preserving the pristine Arctic ecosystem for future generations,” says Mr. Sabbagh.

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