An environmental emergency has been declared along the Fraser River near Mission, B.C., where seven derelict boats are in danger of breaking free from their moorings in the rising water.
Provincial emergency response workers, the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada are working together to deal with the former Queen of Sidney ferry and six other improperly secured vessels in the same location.
Environment MinisterTerry Laketold CTV News that an emergency response officer was on scene Wednesday and crews were working to clean up hazardous materials in the area to prevent a spill.
“Onboard, there are all kinds of hydrocarbon fuels,” Lake said. “But if they break free, they could run into other vessels, other infrastructure and cause much more environmental damage.”
Officials say that houseboat residents downstream, other vessels on the river and nearby bridges could be in harm’s way if the boats break free.
The ministry is working on deals with contractors to better secure the boats, but in the meantime, Transport Canada has arranged for a tug boat to be at the ready in case any of the vessels are set afloat.
Lakeestimated that the total cost to clean up and secure the boats could be in the range of $40,000 to $50,000, but the government will try to recoup the funds from those responsible for abandoning the boats.
He added that derelict vessels are a problem in waterways across the province, and the province is hoping to work with the federal government on a plan to deal with them.
“This is a concern that we have expressed in the past,” Lake said. “While they often are just an eyesore, at times they can be a real risk to the environment.”
A high streamflow advisory is currently in effect for the Mission area, where the river is expected to rise over the next few days, reaching a peak level of 6.3-6.5 metres sometime between Friday and Sunday, according to the River Forecast Centre.
