Proposed Transport of Dangerous Goods Bylaw

https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/meetings/agendas/171211_reg_0.pdf   P.103

Proposed Transport of Dangerous Goods Bylaw Administration has started the required consultation on the proposed Transport of Dangerous Goods bylaw with representatives of the Trucking Industry. It is anticipated that this will be completed by December 8, 2017 allowing for its submission to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure by year end for its review and approval.
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https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/vehicle-safety-enforcement/information-education/transporting-dangerous-goods

Hazardous truck route stalled

Update: AdminReport from Sept 18 agenda (P.37)
Transport of Dangerous Goods Bylaw Administration will commence the process of drafting a Transport of Dangerous Goods Bylaw, including consultation, and submit to the Minister requesting its approval by the end of 2017.

RICHARD ROLKE Wed Sep 6th, 2017 5:00am NEWS
A Vernon official is accusing bureaucracy of sending a planned hazardous truck route in circles. Coun. Bob Spiers isn’t satisfied with administration’s suggestion that work on a dangerous goods route would not begin until late 2018. “It’s been on my bucket list since 2012 and I’d like it finished off,” said Coun. Bob Spiers, who is concerned about the risk hazardous goods may pose on civic roads and believes such vehicles should be restricted to Highway 97 and not 27th Street. City staff have stated that development of a dangerous goods route cannot occur before late 2018 because of the need for Ministry of Transportation approval and consultation with the trucking sector. City staff have also stated they currently don’t have the capacity to develop a new bylaw right now, but Spiers says such a process shouldn’t be onerous. “Salmon Arm’s bylaw is a two-pager with a list of maps. I don’t see why we can’t put it in front of the ministry and get it done in quick order,” he said.
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A bylaw to regulate the transportation and vehicle storage of dangerous goodswithin the District of Salmon Arm

CITY OF KAMLOOPS BY-LAW NO. 23-49 A BY LAW TO REGULATE THE TRANSPORTATION AND VEHICLE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS WITHIN THE CITY OF KAMLOOPS 

25 Year Master Transportation Plan

 25 Year Master Transportation Plan (p.22-24)
The MoTI`s Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Program promotes safety in British Columbia in conjunction with the federal TDG regulations. The provincial program is limited to road transportation, while the federal program focuses on all  transportation modes and the inter-jurisdictional movement of dangerous goods.

Provincial regulations concerning road transportation are incorporated from the federal standard, resulting in a high degree of  harmonization amongst the British Columbia, federal and other provincial requirements.  It is noted that since CN Rail took over the operation and maintenance of the line through Vernon they decided that the transport of dangerous goods by rail would no longer take place.

The Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations in Canada control how such goods are transported on all Canadian roads including the Provincial Highways in British Columbia. The City of Vernon does not have authority to restrict the transportation of dangerous goods on Highways 97 and 6, but through a bylaw, can control the use of municipal roads.

 A review of the Transport of Dangerous Goods by through traffic in Vernon was undertaken and its recommendation is to propose adoption of a bylaw that will prevent the use of 27th Street between Highway 97 and 6. Trucks licensed to carry dangerous goods will be permitted to travel on 27th Street when necessary to access businesses / properties they are delivering these goods to. Examples include gas stations, propane for households systems, research and medical facilities requiring radioactive materials. The proposed TDG bylaw cannot and will not prevent these delivery / refuelling activities. In implementing designated dangerous goods route(s), the draft bylaw will need to be submitted to the MoTI for approval. The primary intent of the MoTI review is to ensure that the proposed route does not adversely affect the provincial highway system.

The MoTI has no authority to enforce municipal bylaws. A Dangerous Goods Route Bylaw would have to be enforced by a municipal bylaw officer and/or the RCMP. Signage and education for the trucking industry of the route designated for the  transportation of dangerous goods through Vernon. This will include posting the information on the City website regarding the route and enforcement initiatives. The existing and proposed truck restrictions and the proposed Dangerous Goods Route are shown
in Figure 4.

https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/planning-building/150713_2015_mtp_forocpamendment.pdf (p.24)

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2013 Posting that proposed Hazmat Route:
http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2013/07/city-looks-to-avoid-hazard.html

_____________________
Transport of Dangerous Goods Act [RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 458 Local government control of transport on highways
23 (1) A municipality may make bylaws with respect to highways under its direction, control and management
(a) designating the route and time of travel of road vehicles transporting dangerous goods, and
(b) prohibiting the carrying of dangerous goods on the highways specified in the bylaw.
(2) A bylaw under subsection (1) does not come into force until it is approved by the minister.

Hazmat Route Update.

Proposed Transport of Dangerous Goods Routes Bylaw P.57
The work identified in Council's Strategic Plan 2015 — 2018 to "Update Master Transportation Plan including a review of truck and hazardous materials routes" has been completed,  recommending a bylaw that would prevent the use of 27th Street between Highways 97 and 6. The work to draft a Transport of Dangerous Goods Routes Bylaw, undertake trucking
industry consultation and ultimately the submission of the draft bylaw for MoTI review and approval has not yet commenced. Due to the current work volume already committed to, the Transportation Department will not be able to start this work until late 2018.
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SALMON ARM BYLAW:
A bylaw to regulate the transportation and vehicle storage of dangerous goodswithin the District of Salmon Arm 

Hazardous waste collected

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 13, 2015 at 1:00 AM

Hazardous waste collection is under one roof. The Regional District of North Okanagan has launched an Eco Depot at Interior Freight and Bottle Depot at 4205 24th Ave. in Vernon. Beginning Tuesday, residents can drop off household hazardous waste (HHW) free of charge, year-round, during regular Interior Freight hours of operation. “The Eco Depot replaces the Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up which had previously taken place annually in the fall,” said Dale Danallanko, RDNO’s recycling and disposal facilities operations manager. Funding for establishment of the Eco Depot was provided by RDNO through the federal gas tax program. “You will no longer have to store this material in your basement, garage or shed until the next HHW Round-Up,” said Danallanko.

Residential quantities of the following categories of material will be accepted:
Paint;
Batteries (household and automotive);
Aerosols;
Antifreeze;
Fuel;
Pesticides;
Solvents.

A product is hazardous if the words danger, warning or caution appear on the product label. Hazardous material can be toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive or any combination. Improper disposal of HHW can be hazardous and can pose an environmental risk. “Residents are encouraged to take their HHW to the Eco Depot for proper disposal,” said Danallanko. Residents should take precautions when transporting HHW for disposal:

Make sure containers have a tight-fitting lid to prevent leaks; If possible, keep the material in the original container so it can be easily identified; Place your items in a sturdy box and keep the box upright to prevent spills, do not pack materials in plastic bags, and; Transport HHW in the trunk of your vehicle, away from children, food or pets. For more information on HHW disposal, go to www.rdno.ca. For more information on Interior Freight and Bottle Depot, including other products accepted for recycling and hours of operations, go to www.interiorrecycling.com.

Derailed: Kelowna's fight to save the railway and 500 jobs

By Jennifer Smith - Kelowna Capital News Updated: November 02, 2013 9:31 AM
It's been four months since Kelowna Pacific Railway went into receivership and the Central Okanagan lost all rail service. For a good sector of the business community it means profit margins will slip right off the tracks. This week the Central Okanagan evaluates the line, efforts to save it and the opportunity it presents for tourism. There is one month and three days remaining to save the Canadian National Railway line from being sold in the wake of the Kelowna Pacific Railway collapse. An interim injunction to force CN to open the line from Kelowna to Vernon has failed. “Last week, we learned that the Canadian Transportation Agency turned down our request…seeking to restore service immediately,” said Barry Penner, a former provincial Liberal cabinet minister. Based out of Vancouver, Penner filed the injunction with the CTA as part of an appeal to try and block CN, which owns the tracks, from selling the line. CN has already started the discontinuance process that could see first right of purchase as early as Dec. 3. Working on behalf of Ashland Chemicals, a small division of the Fortune 500 company with just 35 employees, Penner says his client could be forced to leave the Okanagan without the trains. “If you lose this line, you will not get rail transport back in the Central Okanagan,” he said.Bringing in the chemicals and products needed to make things like fibreglass and plastic polymers, Ashland supplies the products for Campion Boats, here in Kelowna, to build its luxury yachts. Kohler Canada, in Armstrong, needs its materials to produce its bathtubs, showers and bathroom fixtures. And FormaShape: 3D Architectural Design in Winfield works with Ashland in its waterslide component and gas station canopy outfit. Ashland is also the reason there is now a node of the Composites Research Network at UBC Okanagan. Unbeknownst to many people living in the region, this area has become a key manufacturing niche for composites with at least a dozen manufacturing businesses working in the sector. Bottom line, the loss of rail transportation could mean 500 to 600 job losses, according to the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. “If one key business fails, so (could) many others as their supply chain is further disrupted,” said Marcus Ewert-Johns, CME vice-president, in a letter to Mayor Walter Gray and Kelowna city council. Manufacturing in B.C. is on dicey ground as it is, Ewert-Johns explains, pointing to the re-introduction of the Provincial Sales Tax, loss of tax credits geared at light industry, increasing property taxes and B.C.’s carbon tax as stressors. At UBCO, the news has yet to trickle down. Abbas Milani, UBCO engineering professor working with the composites network, has not heard of fallout from their industry partners. It stands to reason that if Ashland disappears and some of the technical companies pull out of the area, the research node and all of its potential for developing new, innovative products—like aerospace parts—could be in danger as well, according to Penner. But there is a difficult flip-side to Penner’s pitch. The rail line is in enough disrepair that it’s curbed the line’s customer base. While Penner says he’s heard quotes from independent rail providers interested in contracting on the line that peg the repairs as low as $3 million, CN’s figures don’t align. CN says the short corridor needs $10 million in upgrades. It’s hard to verify the sum. Transport Canada can only confirm annual inspections on the line met the Railway Safety Act right up until KPR shut down in July.(more)

Two more logging trucks overturn in B.C.

CBC News Posted: Oct 23, 2013 3:30 PM PT
Two unrelated logging truck accidents on Wednesday are raising questions about the safety of transporting raw logs on B.C.'s highways, less than a week after a motorcyclist was killed in a logging truck accident in Whistler. RCMP have confirmed that one truck overturned and spilled its load after at least one tire burst while the truck tried to make a tight turn to exit a highway near Chase, B.C. this morning.About an hour later, another logging truck toppled into a ravine, after the driver lost control rounding a corner, striking a barrier on Highway 101 north of Sechelt.
Logging truck crib. The crib of the logging truck that overturned north of Sechelt was found nearly 100 yards from where the truck came to settle. Cpl. Stephen Chubey of Sunshine Coast RCMP says it's remarkable no one was hurt. "The impact caused the trailer to go over the side and down a ravine, pulling the rig with it," said Chubey. No one was injured in either accident, but both come less than a week after a logging truck accident in Whistler on Saturday killed a 65-year-old motorcyclist from West Vancouver. Following that incident, Steve Hunt of the United Steelworkers' Union, which represents the majority of logging truck drivers in B.C., said budget cuts have resulted in fewer inspections.

Logging truck rules need review, says union chief

CBC News Posted: Oct 21, 2013 2:41 PM PT

The union representing a majority of the province's forestry workers is calling for an industry review of logging trucks after a fatal accident on the Sea-to-Sky Highway on the weekend. At around 2:30 p.m. PST on Saturday, a logging truck overturned near Whistler, spilling its load and killing a 65-year-old motorcyclist, who was crushed by the logs. It is the second instance of a logging truck overturning on the Sea-to-Sky Highway this month, and in 2004 two people were killed and four others injured when a logging truck crashed on the Upper Levels Highway in West Vancouver. Steve Hunt, director of the United Steelworkers Union's Western district, says there are a number of contributing factors that put logging truck drivers, and the public, at risk and need to be reviewed. First, says Hunt, logging truck drivers are paid on a per-weight basis, and are therefore incentivized to push the limits of their loads. Whistler, B.C. crash scene A motorcyclist died after being hit by logs falling from an overturned truck on Highway 99 in Whistler, B.C. (CBC) "There are lots of trucks out there and often the first thing that suffers is the driver, and obviously in this case, perhaps the safety of the public," he told CBC News. Additionally, logging trucks are regulated by a number of different organizations - WorkSafeBC, the province and RCMP - often leading to confusion and oversight in the industry, he says. "When you have jurisdictions that touch on one another that are supposed to ensure health and safety, sometimes things get overlooked and other considerations are made." Some locals in the area have also raised concerns that the truck was travelling on the highway at a very busy time, and have called on the province and the Municipality of Whistler to ban logging trucks during peak hours. "They often seem to be overloaded," says Katja Weber. "I think that makes people nervous." Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden admits officials have discussed a ban on logging trucks during peak hours in the past, but says more frequent inspections are needed more immediately. "Last week the police were pulling over various logging trucks and checking them for weight. We are going to check with them and see if we can do more of that in light of what happened," she told CBC News. The cause of Saturday's crash has not yet been determined.

13 train cars carrying liquid petroleum gas, crude oil derail in Alberta

CTVNews.ca Staff Published Saturday, October 19, 2013 8:56AM EDT

Thirteen train cars carrying liquefied petroleum gas and crude oil have derailed near Gainford, Alta., located about 80 kilometres west of Edmonton. Nine of the cars contain liquefied petroleum gas and four of the cars contain petroleum crude oil, Parkland County Communications Assistant Carson Mills told CTV News Channel. Mills said there are fire crews are at the scene battling fires and a voluntary evacuation has been issued for area residents.No injuries have been reported, but the entire community of approximately 100 has been evacuated

Update: Gas Leak Closes Highway, Now Open

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 25 September 2013 14:40
It's been a traffic nightmare for motorists trying to get through Vernon this afternoon. A ruptured natural gas line around 2:30 led officials to shut down several blocks of Highway 97 to allow Fortis BC to investigate and cap the line.The break occurred around the old Waddy's restaurant site, and led to the main route being blocked off from 43rd to 39th Avenues, and vehicles beng detoured around. It's not believed any homes or businesses had to be evacuated but several people in the area said the natural gas smell was very strong. The leak was capped and the road reopened at 2:45.

Vernon Council Agenda Monday Sept 9

• Agenda Package

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Items From Administration Updates: (P.70)
1. Parkinq Lot Revenue Report - 2nd Quarter

 












2. Hazardous Material Routes:

The 2013 Master Transportation Plan will develop and publicize Heavy Truck and Hazardous Material Routes for Vernon. The aim of this is to ensure that goods and services are moved safely around and through the city with due recognition of the impact that heavy trucks have on the life span of the roads. 
  3. Pleasant Valley Road 45 to 46 Avenue Reconstruction: This project was planned to be constructed with resurfacing of Pleasant Valley Road from 46 Avenue to 48 Avenue to take advantage of a larger economies of scale for the project. Further analysis during detailed design identified larger sections of base failure than originally identified during the Road Condition Assessment for most of Pleasant Valley Road from 46 Avenue to 48 Avenue. Given the scope increase to complete this work, staff are recommending carry over of this funding to 2014. The project would then be combined with works planned for 2014 and would include reconstruction and rehabilitation of Pleasant Valley Road from 41 Avenue to 48 Avenue.  Cancel -PV Rd Reconstruction & Watermain Replacemt

4. Tronson Sewer Lift Station Conversions and Beachcomber Bay Road Sanitary Local Area Service Tenders were received for the first two lift stations tendered in August. The low tender was above the consulting engineers estimate. The City of Vernon has rejected this tender based on the recommendation provided by the City of Vernon's consultant. Furthermore, based on the recommendations from City of Vernon's consultant, the four Tronson Sewer Lift Stations will be tendered in combination with the Beachcomber Bay Road project for additional economies of scale. Re-tendering of the larger project will occur in late fall in order to allow for more contractors to bid with construction to begin in early spring. Given the recommendation from the consultant and time required to retender the larger scope, staff are recommending carry over of this funding to 2014. Cancelled - Tronson Sanitary Sewer Laterals

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Other Items of Interest:

-JEAN MINGUY MEMORIAL RCMP YOUTH ACADEMY (P. 75)

-O'KEEFE RANCH - BC ARTS COUNCIL UPDATE (P. 76) 

- PROPOSED 2014 FINANCIAL PLANNING TIMELINE (P. 96)

- APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING AT VERNON & DISTRICT PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

- ADVENTURE BAY WATER (P. 115)

Water restrictions lifted after fuel spill

by The Canadian Press - CASTANET Aug 9, 2013 / 4:45 pm
The Interior Health Authority has lifted all remaining water restrictions on the Slocan River and Lemon Creek, two weeks after a tanker truck spilled 35,000 litres of jet fuel into the river. Officials say the water drawn from the area can now be consumed and is safe for recreational purposes, but residents should thoroughly flush their drinking water and irrigation systems because there will be stagnant water in the lines. On July 26, a tanker truck was on its way to fuel helicopters fighting a forest fire in the area when it made a wrong turn and travelled down a closed logging road and tumbled into Lemon Creek. The accident prompted the evacuation of residents, and do-not-use water orders as crews worked to clean up the spill. It also prompted a Slocan Valley resident to file a lawsuit against the province and the company that owned the tanker truck, alleging the spill contamination has affected the shoreline and wildlife. The defendants have yet to file a statement of defence, and none of the allegations have been tested in court.

lawsuit lauched over July fuel spill

by The Canadian Press - Castanet  Aug 9, 2013 / 7:27 am

Some BC residents hope to have a class action lawsuit certified over the spill of 35,000 litres of jet fuel last month in southeast British Columbia.  On July 26, a tanker truck carrying fuel for fire-fighting helicopters tumbled off a logging road in the Slocan Valley, spilling most of its load into area waterways. The suit, which alleges neglignce and nuisance, names the province of British Columbia and Executive Flight Centre as defendants. The class action is brought by resident Robert Kirk and some neighbours in the spill zone on either side of Lemon Creek. In a statement with the filing, Kirk says an ad hoc fuel depot was set up in an environmentally sensitive area without due care and the spill created a dead zone. The lawsuit also alleges the province used aircraft to fight a forest fire with fuel-contaminated water, causing further harm. None of the allegations have been tested in court. The lawsuit seeks relief and an order requiring the defendants to meaningfully consult an independent environmental scientist with regards to ecological monitoring and remediation. The defendants will have 21 days from being served to file a statement of defence, after which the plaintiff will seek to have the action certified. Within hours of the spill, an evacuation order was expanded to 2,500 people in the Slocan Valley as fuel contaminated area waterways. On Tuesday, some of the water restrictions put in place after the spill were lifted. Health officials said it was safe for residents to use water from the Kootenay River above and below the Brilliant Dam. But a do-not-use order remains in place for residents who draw water from Lemon Creek and the Slocan River. Since the spill, some residents have complained of health problems including skin rashes, fumes in furniture and clothing and economic hardships.
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https://eservice.ag.gov.bc.ca/cso/esearch/civil/partySearch.do
https://eservice.ag.gov.bc.ca/cso/esearch/esearchHome.do 

Will cost you a $6 search fee to view file.

Railway says it can't pay for cleanup

by The Canadian Press - Castanet Jul 31, 2013 / 5:59 amA railway involved in Quebec's fatal derailment doesn't have the cash to pay for the torrent of post-disaster expenses headed its way. The chairman of Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway says the company is now depending on its insurers to start cutting cheques and he has raised doubts publicly on whether the company will even survive. In the end, says one expert in civil responsibility, taxpayers could be stuck with a bill in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Quebec law professor Daniel Gardner says he highly doubts MMA has enough coverage to absorb the massive, combined financial liabilities of damages like environmental cleanup, emergency-crew salaries and lawsuits. In fact, he believes the Lac-Megantic derailment could have more financial consequences than any other land disaster in North American history. "The whole cost of this will be far closer to $1 billion than to $500 million," said the Universite Laval academic, adding he would be surprised if the railway had a total of $500 million in coverage. "What will probably happen? ...The company will go bankrupt, insurance coverage won't be enough." Gardner expects governments will wind up covering the difference.

Environment minister says B.C. will review fuel-spill disaster after cleanup.

July 29, 2013 - 12:31 PM Info_Tel Multimedia
 VANCOUVER - B.C.'s environment minister says there will be an investigation to see what could have been done to prevent the fuel-spill disaster that forced hundreds to evacuate in the West Kootenay.  For now, Mary Polak says it's difficult to draw conclusions about transportation issues from this isolated event, but they are learning a lot from the cleanup. A tanker carrying 35,000 litres of jet fuel to helicopters fighting a wildfire rolled into Lemon Creek on Friday while driving along a remote logging road. The noxious fumes forced a temporary widespread evacuation of almost 1,300 people and the implementation of a do-not-use water order that remains in place today. NDP environment critic Spencer Chandra Herbert says the spill highlights how, even with good safety protocols in place, one error can lead to devastating consequences. Chandra Herbert says in light of debates over mass increases in the transport of dangerous goods like oil, gas or other materials, the province cannot take safety for granted.
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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/investigation-will-aim-to-prevent-future-fuel-spills-bc-environment-minister-says/article13483202/
Truck was on the wrong road before crash that led to jet fuel spill 
(excerpt) A tanker truck driver took a wrong turn and drove past two “road closed” signs before the vehicle tumbled off the road, spilling 35,000 litres of jet fuel into a creek in a remote area of British Columbia’s West Kootenay region, a Ministry of Transportation spokeswoman says. “It is our understanding that he did not intend to travel on this road,” Kate Trotter said.

Tanker carrying 35,000 litres of jet fuel crashes into B.C. creek

The Canadian Press   Last Updated Saturday, July 27, 2013 8:50AM EDT CTV News

WINLAW, B.C. -- Officials in British Columbia's Central Kootenay region have issued an evacuation order affecting about 800 people after a tanker truck carrying 35,000 litres of jet fuel crashed into a creek. Bill Macpherson of the Regional District of Central Kootenay said the regional medical officer issued the order around 9 p.m. Friday for an area stretching several kilometres along both sides of the Lemon Creek in the Slocan Valley. Emergency Management B.C. said on its website that all areas 10 kilometres downstream of the accident site to the community of Winlaw are included in the order. A precautionary do not use order has also been issued to all users of water supplies within 10 km downstream of the accident site. "The reason for the evacuation-order area being as broad as it is is strictly precautionary, but you always have to be concerned with jet fuel," said Macpherson. "There are serious potential health concerns, especially with fumes in confined spaces and there's "always the potential of the explosiveness of the fumes." Residents affected by the evacuation order are being asked to go to emergency centres set up in three area schools. Macpherson said the order is mandatory, however, anyone over the age of 16 can refuse to leave if they so choose. Bill Barisoff, who lives in Winlaw about half a block from the Slocan River, said he found out about the spill from a friend who phoned him just as he was heading to bed. By 11 p.m. Friday, he said he hadn't been issued an evacuation order. "No knock on the door. I live right by the fire hall. There was no action here whatsoever," he said. "My property adjoines the fire hall." Resident John Boe said he lives on the river in downtown Winlaw and hadn't heard anything about the spill or evacuation order, but he knew something was wrong. "It's a light smell, but I can smell it," he said, noting the scent was like diesel fuel. "I don't see nothing else happening. Nobody's around here. So there's nobody coming to our door or anything yet." Officials were informed of the accident along the Lemon Creek Forest Service Road, a gravel route, in the Slocan Valley at about 5:15 p.m. The truck had been on its way to supply helicopters battling wildfires in the Perry Ridge area when the accident occurred. "The RCMP were first responders and they were unable to get too close to the tanker itself because of fumes from jet fuel," said Macpherson. There's no official word on the fate of the truck driver, or on the possible contamination of the creek, which feeds into the Slocan River. Winlaw is a community of about 400 people in the Slocan Valley, 19 kilometres south of Slocan and 46 kilometres north of Castlegar. According to the Ministry of Forests, the Perry Ridge fire is burning about 4.5 kilometres west of Winlaw and was discovered on Wednesday. The ministry says 65 firefighters and five helicopters have been battling the blaze which is estimated to be about 35 hectares in size.
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Also see : Tanker truck spills fuel into Slocan River tributary http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/07/26/bc-lemon-creek-fuel-spill.html?cmp=rss

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Fuel spill leads to evacuation of as many as 3,000 homes by Kyra Hoggan Nelson Daily on 26 Jul 2013 

RCMP, local volunteer firefighters and RDCK EOC staff held a meeting to plan out a strategy to deal with this environmental catastrophe. — The Nelson Daily photos

Update: The provincial medical health officer has expanded the evacuation order to three kilometres (expanded from the original 300 metres) from Lemon Creek and its tributaries, due to potential neurological damage from fumes. Hasmat response team is en route and should be on the ground by 3 or 4 a.m. Emergency social services have set up reception centres at LV Rogers in Nelson, WE Graham in Slocan, and Mary Hall, Selkirk College, Nelson campus. As many as 3,000 households under evacuation order. This from EOC spokesman Bill Macpherson.

Council Highlights from Monday, July 15, 2013

 (some excerpts below)

City looks to avoid hazard

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 17, 2013 1:00 AM
An accident that devastated a Quebec town has a Vernon official wanting to avoid a disaster here. Coun. Bob Spiers asked city staff Monday to consider a specific route for trucks hauling potentially dangerous substances and for signage to be installed. “There is no hazardous material route so trucks don’t know where to go,” he said. “I’ve heard from people who say hazardous material trucks have wound up in neighbourhoods.” It’s believed about 50 people were killed when a train carrying oil crashed in Lac-Megantic, Que. Presently, there are designated routes for all truck transport in Vernon but nothing specifically for vehicles with hazardous materials. “My idea is it should only be the highway,” said Spiers. However, challenges could come from only permitting hazardous material haulers on 32nd or 27th streets, which have heavy traffic volumes. “Population density is a challenge,” said Rob Dickinson, the city’s engineering manager, adding  that both streets go right through the heart of Vernon. “You have to look at what is the quickest way to get them through town.” Movement of hazardous materials will be considered as part of a review of the city’s transportation plan.
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Transport of Dangerous Goods Act [RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 458

Local government control of transport on highways

23  (1) A municipality may make bylaws with respect to highways under its direction, control and management

(a) designating the route and time of travel of road vehicles transporting dangerous goods, and

(b) prohibiting the carrying of dangerous goods on the highways specified in the bylaw.

(2) A bylaw under subsection (1) does not come into force until it is approved by the minister.

Don Quixote Note: This is from  a 2008 study done in Prince George: A little dated as only 2 B.C. cities at that time appear to have a routing system for Hazmat.
dangerous goods route study final report - City of Prince George

Excerpt from 2008 Report

Dangerous Goods By-Law 23-49

Dangerous Goods By-Law 23-49

  Dangerous Goods Bylaw 23-49 Kamloops:
 http://kamloops.fileprosite.com/contentengine/Link.asp?ID=1603&Direct=1

DISTRICT OF SALMON ARM BYLAW NO. 3303 A bylaw to regulate the transportation and vehicle storage of dangerous goods within the District of Salmon Arm

Kamloops Dangerous Goods Route Map

Salmon Arm Route Map Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods By-Law 23-49

Dangerous Goods By-Law 23-49

Lost in Vernon with a load of hazardous material

By Charlotte Helston  July 16, 2013 - 1:38 PM INFOI-Tel Multimedia
VERNON - The Lac-Mégantic rail disaster last week in Quebec reminded a local politician that even the unlikeliest accidents can and do happen, and he has an idea for how Vernon can be better protected. Coun. Bob Spiers would like to see trucks hauling hazardous materials stick to one direct route, away from schools and residential areas if possible, when travelling through the city. "There is no hazardous material route so trucks don't know where to go," he said. "I've heard from people who say hazardous material trucks have gotten lost and wound up in (residential) neighbourhoods. My idea is (they) should only be on the highway." Spiers says other communities have established specific trucking routes complete with signs to guide truck drivers quickly and safely through town. "I'd asked about this about a year ago when our emergency preparedness team was giving a presentation," Spiers says. After a train carrying over 70 cars of crude oil crashed and exploded, leaving 50 people missing and presumed dead, Spiers felt compelled to see how far things had progressed in Vernon. Staff confirmed they are looking into the possibility of a designated trucking route, and will be reporting back to council at a later date. "My concern is a lot of the Hazmat trucks go down 27th Avenue, past a lot of schools and residential areas," Spiers says. "If you're coming through town with a Hazmat load, you want to use the route safest for you, and safest for the public. I don't think it will ever happen, but if it does, do we want a spill in front of one of our schools?"

Hazardous materials make their way through Vernon

Morning Star file photo

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 16, 2013 1:00 AM
With a Quebec town still reeling from a devastating rail accident, one Vernon politician wonders what kind of hazardous materials are shipped through this community. Coun. Bob Spiers asked city staff Monday to consider a specific route for trucks hauling potentially dangerous substances and for signage to be installed. "There is no hazardous material route so trucks don't know where to go," he said. "I've heard from people who say hazardous material trucks have wound up in neighbourhoods. My idea is it should only be the highway." It's believed about 50 people were killed when a train carrying oil crashed in Lac-Megantic, Que. Look for more details in Wednesday's Morning Star.