False Creek clean up includes free pump-out for pleasure craft
Vancouver Park Board concerned with E. coli and fecal contamination levels in the waterway this year
The Vancouver Park Board plans to offer free pump-out services for pleasure craft in False Creek, in an effort to reduce boat sewage and fecal contamination in the urban waterway.
The park board is launching a "good neighbour" clean water campaign, which will encourage people to clean up dog waste and not dump chemicals in storm drains.
Boaters will also be encouraged to use discharge pump-out stations instead of dumping sewage in the ocean.
"Boat sewage and dog poop are [sources] of fecal contamination in False Creek," wrote the park board in a release. "This year's levels are of particular concern."
Board chair John Coupar is expected to provide details on the free service later today.
Last year, E. coli counts in False Creek rose to 26 times higher than what is safe for swimming, and five times the acceptable limit for paddlers.
The annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival starts today in False Creek.