January 20 was the final day of cleanup assessment and removal of containment booms. The Coast Guard advised that, although there was still a sheen on the water, it was not recoverable oil and would dissipate over time.
Focus Wildlife conducted a comprehensive search to look for distressed wildlife. On-water wildlife surveys were conducted through the Mamquam Blind Channel, Cattermole Slough, Westbarr Slough, the Squamish River and Howe Inlet. Both the shoreline and open waterways were assessed for impacted wildlife.
All shorelines looked good. Some birds had a small amount of oil marking, but no behavioral problems were exhibited. Several hundred birds were noted but nothing out of the ordinary to report.
In general, the public should not touch live distressed wildlife. Reports of distressed or deceased wildlife can be directed to the Canadian Wildlife Service: phone 604-364-7429 or by e-mail.
The District of Squamish is very concerned about the environmental impact of this situation and the challenges our community faces with regards to the federally-regulated waterways and derelict vessels. Council has directed the development of a Marine Strategy which is underway and is being further budgeted for in 2014. This problem is not isolated to Squamish alone and the District is working with other waterfront communities and all levels of government to determine a path forward.
The Coast Guard completed an extensive survey of docks and shorelines Friday to ensure that no recoverable oil remained in the area. As of now, all recoverable oil and absorbent pads and booms have been collected. The team will return Monday to complete another assessment and collect the orange containment booms.
Focus Wildlife has completed a preliminary wildlife assessment with positive results. The team observed and watched over 500 birds and found none to be of concern. Observations of all wildlife will continue Saturday.
The Coast Guard has advised that the Elf sank while under commercial tow in 400 feet of water, 1.5 nautical miles South of Passage Island. They continue to monitor the situation for any pollution concerns. Transit of the tug from Squamish was required in order to move it for inspection at a Lower Mainland shipyard.
The public and dogs can return to the shoreline and beaches as of today, Saturday.
If the public observes oiled wildlife or pockets of oil in the water, this can be reported to Emergency Management BC in order to notify Environment Canada and the Ministry of the Environment. The phone number to call is 1-800-663-3456.
Attention boat, dock and marina owners: Environment Canada has provided guidelines with regards to appropriate cleanup methods and the use of shoreline cleaners, in the wake of this fuel spill. Please view them here.
The Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response Team continues to lead a coordinated containment and cleanup effort to address the sunken tugboat in the Mamquam Blind Channel. The tugboat “Elf” sank early morning on January 14, 2014.
Today, the vessel was successfully raised and re-floated to remove the threat of any further pollution. It will be towed from Squamish to a dry dock for further assessment. At this time the cause of the sinking is still not known.
Containment booms still remain in place. Much of the diesel that has leaked into the Channel is expected to evaporate within 72 hours of leaking. The Coast Guard will work Friday to clean up residual oil in the immediate contamination site where the sunken vessel was contained.
The Coast Guard has contracted Focus Wildlife to undertake a wildlife assessment of the area.
If the public observes oiled wildlife or pockets of oil in the water, this should be reported to Emergency Management BC in order to notify Environment Canada and the Ministry of the Environment. The phone number to call is 1-800-663-3456.
Attention boat, dock and marina owners: Environment Canada has provided guidelines in regards to appropriate cleanup methods and the use of shoreline cleaners, in the wake of this fuel spill. Please view them here.
January 22, 2014
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