The City of Port Coquitlam is fortunate to have pristine streams and rivers traversing its community. These waterways are more than just scenic, they serve as vital habitats for fish and wildlife, significantly contributing to the overall health of the local environment. However, many may not realize that what flows into storm drains directly impacts these invaluable waterways.
The City is emphasizing a crucial connection: storm drains are exclusively for rainwater runoff. Unlike wastewater from sinks and toilets, which travels to a treatment plant, any substance entering a storm drain flows directly into local streams, rivers, and ultimately, the ocean—without any form of treatment. This means pollutants can have an immediate and direct impact on the ecosystems.
Imagine pouring soap, oil, or chemicals down your storm drain. It might seem harmless, but these substances, along with pet waste and litter, become a real threat to our aquatic friends. They can suffocate fish, destroy their habitats, and introduce dangerous toxins into the water. This directly impacts water quality, making it unsafe for recreational activities like fishing or even just enjoying a walk by the creek. Plus, some pollutants can lead to illnesses through contaminated water or seafood.
What can residents do to help? Every resident and business in Port Coquitlam play a crucial role in protecting the aquatic ecosystems. The good news is, making a difference is easier than one might imagine. The City encourages everyone to adopt these simple but impactful practices:
- Always dispose of pet waste in the trash. Never flush cat litter down toilets or put it in storm drains. Pet waste carries bacteria that harm waterways.
- When washing a car, aim for a grassy area where the water can soak into the soil, or better yet, visit a commercial car wash. They're designed to treat the water before it re-enters the system, preventing soapy runoff from reaching streams.
- Motor oil, paints, cleaning products like bleach, chemicals and other hazardous materials should never go down any drain. Take them to a designated collection site for proper disposal. For further disposal information, contact the manufacturer, the BC Recycling Hotline at 604-732-9253 or the Ministry of Environment at 250-387-3205.
- Always place trash in appropriate bins. Even a small piece of litter can be carried by rain into a storm drain and end up polluting our streams.
- When draining a swimming pool or hot tub, water should be discharged directly into a drain connected to the sanitary sewer system, not a storm drain.
- Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from food and food preparation should never be placed into storm drains or catch basins, in any quantity.
Support the Yellow Fish Road Program
This national environmental education program helps remind the public that storm drains lead directly to fish habitat. Residents can look for the yellow fish symbols painted near storm drains, which serve as a visual reminder that only rain should go down the drain. The City supports the dedication of local streamkeepers and community groups who work to protect our waterways such as the Baker Creek Streamkeepers, who have undertaken this initiative in the Baker Creek area. For information on how community groups and schools can potentially get involved with DFO-led initiatives like Yellow Fish Road, residents are encouraged to contact Public Works at [email protected].
Resources
The Sort it Right! program provides a variety of user-friendly resources and tools, including:
- Sort & Report app – search for how to properly sort waste, create personalized collection schedules and alerts, report problems and more. Download for free at portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport.
- Sort it Right Online search tool – learn how to properly dispose of items at portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
- Sort it Right Waste Sorting & Services guide – a user-friendly guide with detailed collection and sorting information. Pick up the latest from City facilities or download from portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
- In-person support – Contact 604-927-5496 or drop by Public Works, 1737 Broadway St. to speak to with a Environmental Program Ambassador and pick up resources.
- If residents observe something that appears incorrect, they are encouraged to use the PoCo Sort and Report app to report any City service issues, email portcoquitlam.ca/report, or call 604.927.3111.
By taking these simple steps, the community can significantly help improve water quality and protect the aquatic life that depends on healthy local streams. It's important to remember that keeping waterways clean is a shared responsibility, and polluting any stream, creek, or drain is prohibited by City bylaws. These regulations are in place to safeguard the environment for everyone and can result in fines and other penalties, as well as liability under federal and provincial environmental laws.
For more information, visit portcoqutilam.ca/watercourse.
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