Investigators suspect illegal chemical dumping to be
the culprit of 2,000 dead salmon

Tanya Colledge

staff reporter
Hissin Canada and the city of Burnaby are

 

looking into a suspicious case of salmon deaths

discovered in Byrne Creek last week; which
has caused uproar amongst Burnaby City Hall staff
and the Byrne Creek Streamkeeper volunteers.

An estimated 2,000 Coho and Chum salmon
were found dead—floating in a pool of brown foam.
It is suspected that the hazardous substance had been
poured down a nearby storm drain, which then flowed
into the creek, killing the fish.

Investigators say the dead fish found in Byrne
Creek are equivalent to two generations worth of
salmon, as many newborn and one year olds heading
back out to sea in the Fraser River had been killed—a
tragedy that is likely to take years to recover from.

Early speculation from Environment Canada,
which has begun to examine water samples taken
from the creek, and the city of Burnaby, which has
been looking at the fish carcasses, is that the dumping
was industrial-related. They believe to have identified
the culprit as a toxic cleaner causing asphyxiation—a
chemical gets into the gills of the fish, choking them
to death. With bulging eyes and mouths wide open,
the dead fish found in Byrne Creek fit the usual
characteristics of such a death, and had probably
thrown themselves out of the water because it was so Investigators say the chance of finding a suspect
toxic, officials said. in these killings is unlikely at this stage, due to the lack

This being the second major spill in the creek over Of supporting evidence. Volunteers have now begun to
the last 12 years, Burnaby Environmental Services take to the streets, going door-to-door speaking to local
are eager to see action taken to prevent such tragedies residents and businesses in order to inform community
from reoccurring. Although the federal Fisheries members of the tragedy, and prevent such an occurrence
Act prohibits the deposit of harmful substances to from happening in the future.

_ — p= ss ;

fish or fish habitat with a $300,000 fine if convicted,
surrounding communities of the creek are not aware of
the dangers threatening the salmon population and the
other organisms living in the creek.

 

 

   

 

Douglas College Wrap-Up

By Kristina Mameli

Join Douglas’ Sun Run team

On Mother’s Day, May 92010, starting at 9
a.m., the 26" annual Sun Run is set to take
over Vancouver streets. The 10 kilometre
run boasts the title of second largest in the
world; 55,858 Vancouverites participating
last year, including a team of 37 from
Douglas.

Members of the Douglas community
that register for this year’s event will receive
a $10 discount on the $45 registration fee
when they pick up a shirt and bib May 4.
Team members can register online at http://
activenetica.active.com/vancouversunrun/
by selecting “Teams and Members:
Corporate,” then “Corporate Team
Registration,” “Join Team-Team Members
only,” and finally “Douglas College
Royals (#813).” The last day for internet
registration is March 19 at 11:59 p.m.

Running clinics will be held at the
New Westminster campus every Wednesday
leading up to the event at 4:30.

For more information please contact
team captain Khalid Ahmed at 604.527.5005
or ahmedk @douglas.be.ca.

Doug’s Got Talent

The top ten contestants for the Doug’s Got
Talent contest were announced last week
after a committee comprised of students and
staff painstakingly narrowed down the 96
entrants. In November, current and future
students were asked to submit a two-minute
video showcasing their talent for their
chance to win thousands in tuition credits.
The results were 96 highly creative and
diverse videos spanning categories ranging
from music to dance to sports.

“Douglas students are diverse, talented
and hard-working. Their desire to succeed,
their passion and their curiosity inspire
everyone who teaches and works here,” said
Dr. Scott McAlpine, President of Douglas
College in a press release on the contest’s
website. “The Doug’s Got Talent video
contest puts these talented students’ front
and centre.”

The deadline was February 28
and two main judging factors led to the
current top ten: the talent involved and
how entertaining video was. Interestingly
enough, miscellaneous and music were the
two largest categories entered.

The top three will win $4,000 in
college tuition credit and the seven runner-
ups will win $400. The winners will be
selected by popular vote which closes
March 31.

Vote now at http://www.douglas.be.ca/
talent.html.