A total of 11 small craft harbours in British Columbia will benefit from $3.1 million in new federal funding over the next five years to control run-off pollution and allow efficient storm water management.
Run-off from parking areas, roads, vessel repair areas and storm drains often contains pollutants that contribute to sediment contamination in foreshore areas, persistent oil sheens and fish kills. Through a number of recent pilot projects, Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours program has developed a "toolbox" of measures that can be used to prevent these pollutants from reaching the marine environment.
These control measures include installation of oil/water/sediment separators and vegetated drainage filters, use of pervious pavement that allows liquids to pass through, and the interception and detention of storm water discharges.
Some or all of these measures will be implemented at the following harbours between 2007 and 2012:
- Bella Coola
- Campbell River
- Comox
- False Creek
- French Creek
- Ganges (Inner)
- Ladysmith
- Port Edward
- Port McNeill
- Steveston
- Tofino (4th Street)
This new infrastructure will assist local Harbour Authorities in the implementation of their harbour environmental management plans and support the ongoing sustainable operation of these working harbour facilities.
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