What is the Human Health Risk Assessment? What happens in Phase 1?
The Human Health Risk Assessment is a three-phase project of the Province of British Columbia, led by the BC Ministry of Health. The project will identify, explore and assess concerns about human health risks relating to oil and gas development in northeastern British Columbia. The full risk assessment consists of three phases: 1) a public engagement to identify health concerns, 2) a human health risk assessment based on findings from Phase 1 and 3) a report to the Province, stakeholders and the public.
Phase 1 of this project – carried out by the non-profit Fraser Basin Council – is public engagement aimed at identifying health concerns.
Why is the Assessment needed?
Many people and groups have raised questions about the health and safety of oil and gas development in the northeast. The Human Health Risk Assessment process is an initiative aimed at identifying these concerns, understanding whether health risks exist, and developing recommendations for future action.
Can anyone raise concerns?
Yes – Phase 1 is about identifying human health concerns. Any individual or organization with a concern to express is invited to send comments to the Fraser Basin Council. This includes members of the public who live and work in areas where oil and gas development is taking place, citizen groups interested in the issues, and individuals, authorities and organizations that can help identify human health concerns.
The Fraser Basin Council is taking steps to contact individuals and organizations that may have comments, including federal, provincial, local and First Nations governments, health organizations, citizens groups, environmental organizations, academic researchers and industry officials and workers, and others. If you or someone you know may want to get involved, don’t wait – participate! The deadline for comments is March 7, 2012.
How can I participate?
There are several ways. You can offer comments (by March 7) via the project website, by email (or email attachment), by regular mail, or through a toll-free telephone comment line.
There will also be opportunity for some organizations or individuals to meet one-on-one with the Fraser Basin Council, by telephone or in person. To request a meeting, please contact Yvonne Nichols at the Fraser Basin Council or leave a message on our toll-free line: 1-855-664-4472.
Further details can be downloaded here: Backgrounder.
Will my identity be kept confidential?
The Phase 1 report will include a general synopsis of concerns that the Fraser Basin Council has received from organizations and individuals. Organizations that submit comments will be listed in the report along with their submissions.
To protect the privacy interests of individuals who provide comments, however, the Fraser Basin Council will not list their names in the report unless they opt to have their names listed as participants.
How can I stay up to date?
Visit the project website at www.hhra.ca for updated information on how to participate and keep track of our progress.