Nestled along the serene banks of Hoy Creek in Coquitlam lies the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, a hub of community engagement and environmental stewardship.
“Our focus is on educating the public, as we’re deeply connected to our local residents who take great pride in what we do here,” expressed Robbin Whachell, the communications director of the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society.
A disheartening incident unfolded recently when a concerned resident contacted the hatchery after spotting lifeless fish drifting in the creek.
“We noticed a strong bleach odor in the air. Upon inspecting our tanks holding the coho, we discovered a distressing scene. Testing revealed the presence of chlorine in the water, and within hours, our fish began perishing,” shared Whachell.
Tragic remnants of the incident could be observed both in and along the creek, spanning approximately 1km downstream, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly 2000 fish, including juvenile salmon, trout, and cutthroat trout.
Reflecting on the devastation, Whachell lamented, “It’s truly heartbreaking to witness. We strive to nurture healthy salmon that thrive in their natural habitat.”
Matthew Watts, the director of the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the team’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the surviving fish.
City officials, alongside the Department of Oceans and Fisheries, swiftly responded to the crisis, tracing the source of the contamination to an industrial-grade chlorine spill from a nearby pressure washing operation that seeped into a storm drain connected to the creek. Investigations are underway to ascertain penalties and remedial actions.
In the aftermath of the incident, as the rain washed away the harmful pollutants and deceased fish, the resilient survivors showed signs of recovery.
Taking a cautious approach, the hatchery staff are closely monitoring the fish to alleviate stress and will conduct regular assessments in the coming weeks to ensure their health.
With the salmon return season approaching, the hatchery emphasizes the importance of safeguarding waterways by refraining from pouring substances into marked storm drains and avoiding restricted areas near the creek.
