Victoria company fined $11K after bleach spill kills hundreds of fish
Environmental compliance officers have fined a Victoria exterior washing company $11,000 for releasing a roof de-mossing agent into a creek in Sidney, B.C., killing hundreds of fish.
Elevate Exterior Washing Ltd. was found to have discharged the solution of bleach and surfactant into Reay Creek last year, causing the deaths of more than 300 fish and other creek-dwelling organisms, according to an environmental compliance action filed by the B.C. government on June 20.
The discharge affected a 150-metre section of Reay Creek downstream of a stormwater outfall on Wesbrook Drive in early June 2021.
A Sidney fishing association raised the alarm about the spill on June 7, 2021, telling CTV News that 320 cutthroat trout and several coho salmon were found dead.
Grant MacPherson with the Sidney Anglers Association called the incident catastrophic, and said the loss of the cutthroat trout specifically would alter the creek ecosystem for years to come.
'I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY'
Nathan Bancroft, a co-owner and general manager of Elevate Exterior Washing Ltd., told CTV News he accepts full responsibility for the spill, which he called "an accident on our end."
Bancroft and his co-owner were not involved in the company at the time of the incident, having only taken ownership in January of this year, he said.
"One of the vans had a malfunction and leaked into the creek," Bancroft said. "I take full responsibility for it."
The co-owner said the previous ownership of the company paid the fine and Bancroft said Elevate has implemented training for its staff to ensure a similar spill cannot happen again.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.