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Report cites staff cuts, workload and ‘inappropriate’ regulation in dam failure.
Vancouver (16 July 2010) - A report by deputy solicitor general David Morhart on the Testalinden Dam failure supports the view of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) that a full review of dam safety regulation and staffing levels is needed to ensure public safety.
“We welcome the call for a full review of dam safety regulations, including the need for improved oversight and resources, and hope that the government acts quickly to implement his recommendations,” says BCGEU president Darryl Walker.
“The report makes it clear that ongoing staff cuts and gaps in regulation helped create the circumstances that led to the failure of the dam near Oliver.”
Two key findings raise questions about the impact of budget cuts and self-regulation on public safety.
The report notes that the number of staff dedicated to dam safety has been cut by 35% since 1996. The staff quota for the entire province has been cut to 5.5 positions for dam safety officers.
Officers also have “many competing responsibilities in addition to licensing and review functions” which limit their ability to provide effective oversight, according to the report.
“The deputy minister clearly identifies the lack of appropriate staffing levels and workload pressures as factors in compromising dam safety,” says Walker.
“You can’t continue to cut regulatory staff year after year without compromising public safety and service,” he adds.
“The current self-regulation model assumes that operators will act in good faith. But without proper monitoring and enforcement, there’s no way of knowing if they’re following the rules until it’s too late.”
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE