There’s still no word what killed a bunch of ducks at the Tsawwassen First Nation a couple of weeks ago and that has residents of the Tsatsu Shores worried.
Environment and Climate Change Canada officers on Feb. 26 retrieved 31 dead ducks discovered floating in a man-made pond on the shore facing the condominium complex. Concerned residents of the complex, literally a few metres from the pond, called to report the disturbing sight in what they say appears to be mass death due to some kind of poisoning or contamination.
Resident Jim Northey at the time told the Optimist he’s pretty sure something poured into the pond from a runoff pipe which goes down the steep hill from the adjacent Stahaken subdivision above. Someone appears to have poured some kind of chemical waste into the storm sewer that runs into the pond, he said, adding residents are obviously concerned what’s ending up in there because they are in such close proximity.
In recent days he contacted the Optimist to express frustration regarding the investigation.
“The residents of Tsatsu Shores have heard nothing regarding the poisoning of the pond from any quarter, Environment and Climate Canada officers, City of Delta, the TFN Lands Department or any other responsible party. It is frustrating that we have an occurrence that sees wildlife killed on this property and everyone who has been made aware have done nothing,” he said.
It took two days and many complaints/requests before the TFN put up the yellow tape to alert people who walk their dogs along the beach and residents who have family pets.”
A spokesperson with Environment and Climate Change Canada noted the department “is still investigating the cause of the mortality with their network of partner organizations. ECCC enforcement officers have collected 31 ducks and will conduct a post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. ECCC officers have also collected samples from the pond where the dead ducks were found, for analysis.”
