Abbotsford, BC – A devastating incident has occurred in Abbotsford Creek, where more than 1,000 dead fish were found and removed after a firefighting foam spill. The spill was caused by a fire at a local industrial park on Wednesday, May 26th.
According to the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, the foam used to extinguish the fire contained a chemical called PFAS, which is known to be harmful to aquatic life. The foam was released into the creek through a storm drain, resulting in the death of numerous fish.
The City of Abbotsford immediately took action to contain the spill and prevent further damage to the environment. The foam was contained within the creek and a boom was placed to prevent it from spreading downstream. The City also worked with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to assess the impact of the spill and develop a plan for cleanup.
On Thursday, May 27th, a team of volunteers and city staff worked tirelessly to remove the dead fish from the creek. The cleanup effort was successful in removing over 1,000 fish, including salmon, trout, and other species. The City has also set up a monitoring system to track the water quality in the creek and ensure the safety of the remaining fish.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has issued a statement urging the public to avoid contact with the affected area and to keep pets away from the creek. They have also advised against consuming fish from the creek until further notice.
The City of Abbotsford has expressed their regret for the incident and is working closely with the Ministry to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. They have also assured the public that they will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary actions to protect the environment.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. The City of Abbotsford and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community and the environment.
