The City of Burnaby has been keeping a close eye on sediment flowing into Silver Creek, the same waterway hit by a coal spill in January, but a nearby construction site does not appear to be the culprit.
City staffer Kel Coulson has been on site at 8335 Eastlake Dr., following complaints from a local resident that the creek has been full of sediment, which can be harmful for fish habitat.
“We didn’t physically see sediment in the creek,” Coulson said, regarding the latest inspections. “Now we’re looking at what other contributing factors might be.”
According to Coulson, the site’s workers have been improving their sediment control methods, which are working well. However, that doesn’t explain the murky waters in Silver Creek during heavy rains. Coulson suspects the source may be further upstream.
“That’s where we are going to have to start tracking,” she said. And to help those efforts, Coulson has asked the developer to contact the city if the waters turn muddy.
That’s not reassuring for John Preissl, the resident who first contacted the NOW with photos of the murky creek.
“I’ve been all over that creek, every single time I’ve done inspections after the heavy siltation periods, the creek has been crystal clear directly above the site,” Preissl said. “All the ponds and filtration system does nothing, because when it rains, it overflows and goes into the creek.”
Preissl says the issue has been ongoing since January, and there are salmon fry further downstream. He’s taken multiple photos and video of the problem and has contacted the city, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada and the Pacific Salmon Foundation with his concerns. The Pacific Salmon Foundation responded by emailing the City of Burnaby.
“We hope this brings a speedy end to the pollution and immediate action to remediate the impacts to the salmonid habitat and salmonids present in the creek year round,” the email states.
Despite the city’s assessment, Preissl is determined to protect the creek and solve the problem.
“We’re going to get this fixed, come hell or high water,” he said.
To report any spills in local creeks, rivers and streams, call the City of Burnaby as soon as possible at 604-294-7460.
