The Snuneymuxw First Nation is calling for an investigation and accountability following the discovery of an oil spill and long-standing toxic discharge at Nanaimo’s Duke Point ferry terminal.
The two contaminations at Duke Point within Snuneymuxw territory involved an oil spill caused by Environmental 360 and the alleged long-standing discharge of toxic sawmill effluent by Western Forest Products (WFP).
The oil spill happened in early January, and saw hundreds of litres spilled.
The Nation says they will not stand for continued contamination of Snuneymuxw waters, and want to see a full environmental investigation.
Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse described both of these contaminations as “yet another example of systemic failure by government and industrial operators to prevent, identify and address long-standing environmental harm in our territory.”
“Our shared lands and waters are not disposal sites for corporate waste, and we will not tolerate continued destruction of our treaty rights to fisheries as formerly,” he continued.
The First Nation believes that the spill and discharge will have a detrimental impact on many, as families frequently swim at nearby beaches, and because recreational and commercial fishers depend on healthy shellfish populations and fish-bearing waters.
Furthermore, this marine ecosystem sustains orca, seals, otters and seabirds. It draws tourists out and supports local economies that puts food on tables for many across the region.
“The impacts caused by contamination in our territory and marine areas are not theoretical,” said Chief Wyse.
“The toxic pollutants affect livelihoods, food security, cultural practices, treaty rights and the long-term health of marine life and the marine economy that so many Island communities rely on.”
The Nations says that Environmental 360 has failed to contact them following the spill, even though it will have a tangible impact on their communities, their rights and their interests.
“You can’t operate in Nanaimo, benefit from the community and the land and then fail to notify neighbours after toxic spills of this magnitude,” said Chief Mike Wyse.
“That raises serious questions about due diligence, compliance, respect and basic decency.”
In order to see their demands for accountability and a full investigation met, two formal letters were sent to federal, provincial and municipal authorities.
Timeline of spill response
The Ministry of Environment and Parks (ENV) received a report on January 5th of a sheen between Duke Point and Mudge Island, just south of Nanaimo.
The National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP),flew over the area and came up with the estimate that between 350 litres and 1,600 litres of a type of hydrocarbon had been spilled.
Booms were deployed and the Province contracted qualified professionals to handle the response and cleanup.
Later that week, on January 9th, representatives from ENV and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) attended the site and observed no spillage outside the containment area.
By January 14th, the City of Nanaimo reported that the bay was largely clear of spillage, but a precautionary shellfish harvesting closure remained in effect while environmental sampling was conducted.
This sampling confirmed that the material originated from storm drain outfalls in the vicinity of the bay.
Since January 27th, the shellfish closure has been lifted.
The Province asserts that there is no indication of an ongoing or future spill from the identified source.
