PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - Monthly Test of CFB Esquimalt's Mass Notification System

Public Service Announcement

Whirl Bay Underwater Demolition Range

30 July, 2018 – Metchosin, B.C. – Department of National Defence/ Royal Canadian Navy

Training will be carried out at the Whirl Bay Underwater Demolition Range 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every weekday from August 8, 2018 through August, 21 2018.

Whirl Bay lies on the south shore of Rocky Point in the Metchosin District.  Rocky Point is bounded by Pedder Bay to the northeast, Race Passage to the south, and Beecher bay to the west. The coordinates are 48° 18’ 47” North, 123° 34’ 02” West.

Except for those on the water, near Rocky Point, most local residents will likely be unaware of the activities except on days when environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and wind direction affect how far the sound will travel.  A bubble curtain is utilized as part of DND/CAF’s standard equipment to mitigate the impact of underwater detonation in Whirl Bay by diminishing/weakening water overpressure/shock waves. 

Bentinck Island Range

July 30, 2018 – Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence/ Royal Canadian Navy 

The land-based demolition range at Bentinck Island will be in use 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily from Tuesday August 7, 2018 to Friday August 10, 2018, as well as on Monday August 13, 2018.  

Bentinck Island is located near Race Rocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Used as a terrestrial demolition range by the Canadian Armed Forces, local residents will likely be unaware of the activities except on days when environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and wind direction affect how far the sound will travel. 

Numerous studies have been conducted on the potential environmental effects of Bentinck Island demolitions.  Specifically, blast noise in the marine environment during land-based demolitions is almost undetectable by acoustic equipment above that of other underwater background sounds such as waves and marine life.  

The public is reminded that no unauthorized person may enter this area and trespassing is prohibited. 

July 25, 2018 – Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy 

The monthly test of CFB Esquimalt’s Mass Notification System will take place on August 1, 2018 at 11 a.m. for approximately one minute. 

Residents may hear sirens and verbal messages from speakers mounted on tall poles in Dockyard, Naden and Work Point in Esquimalt.  Due to a variety of environmental factors including temperature, humidity and wind direction it may be possible that the sirens will be heard in neighbouring municipalities. 

Because CFB Esquimalt covers a large area, this system will be an invaluable tool during an emergency for communicating important information to base employees, contractors and those visiting our facilities. 

During the monthly tests two tones plus a message will be used - the ‘test tone’ (alternating tone), a message in English and French and the ‘all clear’ tone (similar to Westminster chime).  Audio files are available on the Maritime Forces Pacific website. 

Routine one minute tests will take place on a monthly basis at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.

Bentinck Island Range

July 23, 2018 – Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence/ Royal Canadian Navy 

The land-based demolition range at Bentinck Island will be in use 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily from Monday July 30, 2018 to Friday August 3, 2018.  

Bentinck Island is located near Race Rocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Used as a terrestrial demolition range by the Canadian Armed Forces, local residents will likely be unaware of the activities except on days when environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and wind direction affect how far the sound will travel. 

Numerous studies have been conducted on the potential environmental effects of Bentinck Island demolitions.  Specifically, blast noise in the marine environment during land-based demolitions is almost undetectable by acoustic equipment above that of other underwater background sounds such as waves and marine life.  

The public is reminded that no unauthorized person may enter this area and trespassing is prohibited. 

July 17, 2018 – Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence/ Royal Canadian Navy 

The land-based demolition range at Bentinck Island will be in use 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily from Tuesday July 24, 2018 to Friday July 27, 2018.  

Bentinck Island is located near Race Rocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Used as a terrestrial demolition range by the Canadian Armed Forces, local residents will likely be unaware of the activities except on days when environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and wind direction affect how far the sound will travel. 

Numerous studies have been conducted on the potential environmental effects of Bentinck Island demolitions.  Specifically, blast noise in the marine environment during land-based demolitions is almost undetectable by acoustic equipment above that of other underwater background sounds such as waves and marine life.  

The public is reminded that no unauthorized person may enter this area and trespassing is prohibited. 

 Associated Links

http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-units.page click on MNS tab

www.facebook.com/EsquimaltBase

Contact
Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Public Affairs
Phone: 250-363-4006
Email: cfbesquimalt@outlook.com
After Hours: 250-888-6775