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.”
allthingsunionbay 
Just saw this Keith. Of course you can run it.
Mary
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* ENFORCEMENT * ENFORCEMENT *ENFORCEMENT
WHERE ARE YOU AT THIS SPECIAL TIME…???
ONE WHOLE YEAR, LABOR DAY SEPT 7th 2025 :-
B.C.GOV; ORDER #V930973 CAME INTO ”EFFECT”
”To CEASE “ALL ” use and occupation of (OUR) Crown Foreshore Area and to ”IMMEDIATELY” Vacate the lease area”
Flagrant and illegal abuse, and use, continued and ”still” continues since that date. Yet another barge was illegally dragged across the beach ready for more beach breaking.!! And twice Peters Bros; Kelowna (Island High way Paving) illegally used (TRESSPASSING) and paid D.W.R. the loading ramp fee!! Plus squatters still occupy the site illegally spewing raw sewage into Baynes Sound…..!!! So Sad, So Very, Very Sad….
D.W.R are just off shore ruthless ”opportunists’ exploiting us Canadian Citizens and our weak governments, and even Komox First Nations.
*The Real CRIME is the lack of ENFORCEMENT by ALL Governments*
A ‘CEASE ‘AND ‘DESIST’ ‘COURT ORDER, AND CLEAN UP, IS SO BADLY NEEDED, NOW.. A LEGAL OPINION WOULD SHOW ITS POSSIBLE…
MAKE D.W.R. HISTORY..NOW ..BEFORE ITS JUST TO LATE…
semper progredians..always
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Hey Mary,
We hope to run this story in this week’s The Islands Grapevine. Is that OK with you? I saw Gord Johns and Avi Lewis today in Qualicum, and Gord wants to talk to me for a story about the Port Alberni initiative that has momentum in Ottawa. That piece will run following this week’s issue.
Much respect,
Keith Porteous Editor The Islands Grapevine (print and web) theislandsgrapevine.com
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