Image: Workers salvage fish from Stoney Creek following a chemical spill July 3. / City of Abbotsford / X (Twitter) / @City_Abbotsford

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Fish killed

D.F.O. investigating as Abbotsford completes clean up after chemical spill in Stoney Creek

Jul 12, 2024 | 4:55 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has confirmed it is investigating a chemical spill that resulted in the death of nearly 1,000 fish in Abbotsford’s Stoney Creek earlier this month. The incident, which occurred on July 3, was caused by the accidental release of firefighting foam from a disconnected hose. The foam drained into a nearby storm sewer and eventually into the waterway.

The City of Abbotsford became aware of the spill late on July 3 and said it promptly alerted the B.C. Ministry of Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. An Emergency Operations Centre was activated the following day to coordinate the response efforts.

Initially, the City reported that more than 1,000 fish were killed in the creek. However, the figure has since been revised to 922.

The large-scale environmental response at Stoney Creek is now winding down after the latest results from surface water sampling and environmental assessments. Comprehensive testing and analysis of water samples taken on July 4 and 5 by GHD environmental consultants indicated that chemical concentrations were below detection limits and posed negligible risk to aquatic life in Stoney Creek.

The assessment also determined that the fish deaths were not due to chemical contamination from the foam but rather the short-term physical effects created by the foaming, which restricted the fish’s ability to obtain oxygen.

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As the concentrations of firefighting foam rapidly decreased through dilution, biodegradation, and oxidization, and based on recommendations from environmental professionals, the City, along with the Semá:th and Matsqui First Nations, as well as the Ministry of Environment, are discontinuing water sampling, fish salvage, and water treatment.

The city expects public access at Bateman Park will fully reopen in the coming days.

“We are grateful for the expertise and collaboration of our First Nations partners, the biologists, and environmental experts for their careful and thorough assessment of the water in Stoney Creek,” said Peter Sparanese, City Manager of Abbotsford. “The safety of our environment, aquatic wildlife, and our community remains our top priority, and we are grateful the test results show the creek and surrounding area is safe.”

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says since the investigation into the situation is ongoing, it will not release any further statements on the matter.