Stronger measures developed for fish processing industry in British Columbia
Staff Writer |
British Columbia is strengthening requirements for fish processing operations in B.C. to ensure the protection of the marine environment, including wild salmon, following the conclusion of its sector-wide audit.
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The ministry’s audit report inspected all 30 fish processing facilities authorized under the Environmental Management Act in British Columbia.
Inspections were conducted to verify compliance with permit conditions, collect effluent samples, determine whether effluent discharge was causing pollution, and identify the best achievable technology for the treatment of effluent.
“This audit clearly tells us more work needs to be done to ensure our coastal waterways are safe for all wild fish stocks,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
“The industry has been largely operating under an outdated permitting regime, going back several decades. We are taking immediate steps to ensure permits are updated and strengthened at fish processing facilities throughout B.C.”
Of the 30 fish processing facilities inspected, 72% were found to be out of compliance with their permits.
More serious infractions included exceeding volumes and the quality of fish processing effluent discharged, than is allowed under their permits.
However, the majority of non-compliances were administrative, such as failing to post signage.
Ministry staff have already started the process of strengthening permit requirements for fish processing facilities, and are taking a risk-based approach by prioritizing those facilities that are processing the greatest tonnage of fish.
Staff will continue to work with the fish processing industry, Indigenous communities, the federal government and other organizations to implement the recommendations reflected in the report. ■
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