The K’ómoks First Nation has said it finds shipbreaking fines “toothless” when it comes to protecting Baynes Sound from contamination.
According to a press release issued on Aug. 25 from the First Nation, the Province of B.C. has issued more than $95,000 in fines to Deep Water Recovery Ltd. due to unsafe shipbreaking activities in Union Bay over the last six years.
“The operators continue to pollute the land and water with heavy metals and toxic chemicals – contaminating B.C.’s biggest hub for shellfish harvesting and the local marine food chains in Baynes Sound,” reads the press release. “K’ómoks people have a deep connection and stewardship obligation to these lands and waters, appreciating the interconnected nature of all things, harvesting resources sustainably, and ensuring the ecosystem is balanced.”
The press release also says there are currently significant gaps between federal, provincial and municipal regulations on the ship-breaking industry, calling the industry a regulatory grey zone with limited enforcement.
The most recent fines, say the First Nation, are not a true deterrent.
“We rely on government regulations to protect people, lands and water from harm. The regulations are failing us. These fines don’t go far enough,” says K’ómoks First Nation Chief Councillor Nicole Rempel. “Shipbreaking has been contaminating Baynes Sound for six years, and nothing has changed. We’re calling on the federal government to step up, to finally stop these heavy metals and chemical toxins from leaching into this delicate ecosystem. What are we waiting for? 50 per cent of B.C.’s shellfish are harvested here. No one wants more lead and copper in their food.”
The Nation says they have been working with local and provincial bodies to stop the contamination for six years, without success.
“The federal government needs to start taking action to enhance and better enforce shipbreaking regulations to end these reckless practices.”
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