Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565489111834
Josie OsborneGord Johns for Courtenay-AlberniDavid EbyDaniel Arbour, Director Comox Valley – Baynes Sound, Denman/HornbyComox Valley Regional District – Local GovernmentBC NDPLiberal Party of Canada | Parti libéral du CanadaJoanne Thompson – St. John’s East
Please take time to read the Environmental Impact Assessment report issued by the BC Ministry of Environment on Baynes Sound: A Vital Ecological and Economic Zone.
See link here: https://ccobs.wordpress.com/freedom-of-information-requests/ called: Penalty Assessment Form
Traditional Indigenous Territory
Baynes Sound is located within the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation. The report explicitly states:
“Baynes Sound lies within unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers since time immemorial. The K’ómoks First Nation relies on the natural environment of Baynes Sound for food, social, and ceremonial purposes (K’ómoks First Nation 2014).”
Designated as a High-Value Ecological Zone
Baynes Sound has been recognized at both national and international levels for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance. According to the report:
“Baynes Sound has been designated as an ‘Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area’ by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and an ‘Important Bird Area’ by BirdLife International.”
The area provides critical habitats for:
– Migratory and local bird species
– Pacific salmon at different life stages
– Herring spawning grounds
– Shellfish aquaculture
The report highlights:
“Extensive tidal flats and the bay’s sheltered estuarine conditions provide important staging, breeding, and overwintering sites for local and migratory birds.”
Marine Life & Aquaculture in Baynes
Herring Spawning and Salmon Habitat at Risk
Baynes Sound supports a large population of Pacific salmon and herring, essential to both the ecosystem and local fisheries. The report states:
“Baynes Sound supports Pacific salmon at various stages of their life histories, supports 60% of all herring spawning in the Strait of Georgia (Schweigert and Herborg 2024), provides important shrimp habitat (Levesque and Jamieson 2015), and accounts for a significant proportion of shellfish aquaculture production in British Columbia (Guyondet et al. 2022).”
Additionally, Hart Creek, located about one kilometer south of DWR’s facility, is a salmon-bearing stream. Fish species documented here include: 
Coho salmon
Chum salmon
Steelhead trout
Coastal cutthroat trout
“Hart Creek (approximately one km south of DWR) is salmon-bearing, with coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and chum (O. keta) salmon, steelhead (O. mykiss), and coastal cutthroat trout (O. clarki clarki) having been observed, some within the past 5 years (BC Habitat Wizard, accessed July 30, 2024).”
Shellfish Harvesting Closures Due to Pollution
The contamination from DWR has directly impacted local shellfish farms. The report states:
“A commercial shellfish tenure lies approximately 350 m south of the DWR facility on an extensive tidal flat. This flat likely contains bivalves, including clam and scallop species harvestable by the public.”
While periodic closures for shellfish harvesting occur due to biotoxins, the report reveals that:
“A small area centered on the DWR property has been closed to all shellfish harvest since 2017 (PSN 2017-446, sanitary closure).”
This suggests that pollution from the facility has contributed to long-term shellfish closures, affecting local fisheries and Indigenous food sources.
Pollution & Toxic Discharge Impact on Baynes Sound
The Ministry’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Biologist outlined severe risks associated with DWR’s waste discharges:
High Levels of Toxic Contaminants Discharged into Baynes Sound
The unauthorized effluent released into Baynes Sound contained dangerous levels of heavy metals and pollutants, including:
Copper – Up to 23,950% over BC Water Quality Guidelines
Lead – Up to 1,200% over safe limits
Zinc – Up to 7,320% over safe limits
Cadmium, Manganese, Nickel, and Vanadium
The EIA Biologist’s Memorandum concludes:
“The effluent discharged by DWR has concentrations of several [Parameters of Concern (POCs)] that exceed short- and long-term BC WQGs for marine life. These include cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, and [polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)]. Many of these are toxic to marine organisms at very low concentrations.”
“Furthermore, DWR effluent has shown slight-to-severe toxicity to rainbow trout in multiple toxicity tests.”
Toxic Contaminants Are Spreading Southward
According to water movement studies, pollutants from the facility are not contained and are spreading towards sensitive marine areas. The report states:
“Oceanographic patterns in Baynes Sound indicate water and sediment near the DWR facility have a net movement towards the south, which will bring DWR’s effluent towards important shellfish habitat and the mouth of salmon-bearing Hart Creek.”
This means that the pollution is gradually affecting more areas, including commercial shellfish farms and key fish spawning zones.
The Long-Term Risks to Baynes Sound
The EIA Biologist warns that some of these pollutants will persist in the environment for decades, making cleanup nearly impossible:
“Effects of some POCs in the effluent are expected to be long-lasting and are likely to increase in extent and severity in the receiving environment if the current discharge continues.”
“PCBs are environmentally persistent (are resistant to breaking down) and bioaccumulate in organisms and biomagnify up the food chain.”
Summary of the Environmental Risks:
Highly toxic waste is entering Baynes Sound
Pollution is spreading toward salmon and shellfish habitats
Heavy metals and PCBs are bioaccumulating in the food chain
Shellfish harvesting areas have been closed since 2017 due to contamination
Long-term damage could be irreversible
The Final Warning from Experts:
The EIA Biologist categorized the magnitude of potential adverse effects as “medium to medium-high,” stating:
“Some POCs are known to bioaccumulate and are toxic to aquatic life and humans at low concentrations.”
“Baynes Sound and its aquatic life are ecologically, culturally, and economically important to the province.”
Conclusion: Why This Matters
Baynes Sound is one of British Columbia’s most important marine ecosystems
DWR’s pollution is actively threatening marine life, fisheries, and Indigenous rights
Shellfish farms, salmon-bearing streams, and bird habitats are at serious risk
Toxic contamination from the facility could persist for decades if not addressed
Timeline of Violations (Sept 2023 – Feb 2024)
DWR repeatedly discharged unauthorized waste effluent into the environment on at least seven occasions, despite multiple warnings:
September 29, 2023
November 3, 2023
November 30, 2023
December 20, 2023
December 28, 2023
January 10, 2024
February 1, 2024
Key Findings:
Waste Discharge Without Authorization – The facility discharged highly contaminated effluent containing Copper, Lead, and Zinc into Baynes Sound without a permit.
Serious Environmental Threat – Contaminant levels exceeded safe limits by up to 23,950% (!), posing grave risks to aquatic life and the ecosystem.
Repeated Warnings Ignored – Since April 2022, DWR was warned multiple times and told to cease operations until a proper permit was obtained.
Pollution Impact – Toxic effluents spread southward in Baynes Sound, threatening shellfish farms, salmon-bearing creeks, and critical habitats.
No Efforts to Fix the Issue – DWR failed to take corrective actions or prevent future discharges.
Why This Matters:
Baynes Sound is a protected ecological zone and home to vital marine life, including:
Pacific Salmon & Herring Spawning Areas
Major Shellfish Harvesting Sites
Shrimp Habitat & Important Bird Areas
The Final Verdict:
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy deemed this a “Major” violation and issued the $48,300 penalty.
DWR’s economic gain from non-compliance was estimated at $10,800, avoiding costs for proper waste management.
The facility still lacks proper waste treatment and continues to operate without an approved permit.
What Do You Think?
Is this penalty enough to hold companies accountable? Should stronger actions be taken against repeat polluters?
It is now 2025. This report lists infractions for 2023 and 2024. It is still happening. This reinforces the urgent need for enforcement to protect Baynes Sound and hold polluters accountable.
Stay informed, spread awareness, and let’s protect our waters!
#environmentalprotection#BaynesSound#comoxvalley#comoxvalleybc#birds#DFO#comoxvalleybusiness
Josie OsborneDavid EbyGord Johns for Courtenay-AlberniRandene NeillCoastal First NationsK’ómoks First NationTla’amin NationFisheries and Oceans CanadaEnvironment and Climate ChangeEnvironment and Natural Resources in CanadaTransport CanadaBC Green PartyBC Wildlife FederationConservative Party of BCConservative Party of Canada – Parti conservateur du CanadaBC NDPCanada’s NDP / Le NPD du CanadaLiberal Party of Canada | Parti libéral du CanadaStrong CoastFederation of Canadian MunicipalitiesJoanne Thompson – St. John’s East
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