A substantial diesel spill occurred on December 14, with approximately 8,000 litres of fuel released from an open-net-pen salmon farm owned by Grieg Seafood. The incident, attributed to human error during a fuel-transfer procedure, has raised concerns about environmental impacts and community safety. Fortunately, there is no evidence suggesting that the fuel reached the community of Tahsis, located about 20 kilometres away by water.
The spill spread in three directions, prompting immediate response actions. Mayor Martin Davis of Tahsis stated, “We are connected to it by water but it’s through a narrow channel.” This remark highlights the geographical separation between the spill site and the community, potentially mitigating direct impacts on local residents.
In response to the incident, a technical specialist has conducted recent cleanup assessments along the affected shoreline. Their efforts have been supported by local First Nations, including the Nuchatlaht, Ehattesaht, and Mowachaht/Muchalaht, as well as provincial and federal governments. The Village of Zeballos and the Canadian Coast Guard have also contributed to the response efforts.
Diesel spills present unique challenges as they tend to sink over time, complicating cleanup efforts. Mayor Davis emphasized this aspect while discussing the potential long-term effects of the spill. Just weeks prior, another diesel spill from a northern Vancouver Island fish farm into Esperanza Inlet was reported to have dispersed due to recent storm activity.
The ongoing concern surrounding salmon farming practices is underscored by the federal government's announcement that open-net pen salmon farming will be banned along British Columbia's coast by June 30, 2029. This decision aligns with the Village of Tahsis’s opposition to such farming methods, reflecting broader environmental concerns. The recent spill has also triggered a clam-harvesting alert by the Ehattesaht First Nation.
Grieg Seafood operates 22 fish farms and a hatchery in British Columbia. In light of the spill, the company has engaged Strategic Natural Resource Consultants to oversee its response and ensure effective remediation efforts are undertaken.
As cleanup operations continue, local communities remain vigilant in monitoring potential environmental impacts. The collaborative response involving various stakeholders reflects a commitment to addressing the aftermath of this significant incident while prioritizing the health of the coastal ecosystem.
