Dam failure highlights need for investment in public safety

The recent failure of an earthen dam near Oliver, and the resulting damage to property and homes, raises serious questions about the B.C. government’s policy of de-regulation in areas of environment and public safety.

Since being elected to government 2001, the B.C. Liberals have initiated a systematic program of self-regulation as a way to justify massive cuts to the public service.

Under the new regulatory system, stakeholders are responsible for reporting, maintaining and monitoring their own activities. In moving to a ‘risk management’ model for dam inspections, self-reporting by dam operators has replaced the former practice of direct inspections.

With some 2,000 dams, and only about a dozen dam safety officers to cover the entire province, the role of government has been reduced largely to that of paper auditor. On-site inspections have been greatly reduced, and are usually restricted to ‘high consequence’ dams. Many are never inspected. British Columbians may ask whether the public interest is served by continued cuts to staff who are responsible for protecting the public interest.

Following the tragic circumstances in Oliver, it is clear that greater resources and oversight is needed to ensure public safety.