Mystery white liquid may be harming Still Creek, B.C. salmon
Chum salmon made unlikely return to East Vancouver last week after 80-year absence
A mysterious white liquid seems to be leaking into East Vancouver's Still Creek, raising concerns about the health of the chum salmon that had just returned there to spawn for the first time in 80 years.
Bruce Causier posted a video of the leak on YouTube Friday, and the liquid was still seen flowing when CBC News visited the creek to investigate on Tuesday.
"I noticed there was a pipe leading into Still Creek and there was a white residue coming to the stream. The salmon were actually swimming in this residue," says Causier.
"What concerns me most is that it's right in the area, that's where the salmon were spawning. They're laying their eggs, so what's this white liquid doing to their eggs?"
The City of Vancouver says staff is investigating the substance, but have not yet determined the source.
CBC News calls to the Ministry of Environment — the federal body responsible for waterways pollution under the Fisheries Act — were not returned.
Mark Angelo with the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. started the Still Creek restoration project more than 40 years ago, and says that action must come soon from officials.
"As a fish bearing waterway — Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans — certainly they have a responsibility. But so does the City," he says.