RESIDENTS NOTIFIED THAT NONTOXIC COLOURED WATER IN THE RIVER IS NOT A CAUSE FOR CONCERN
For Immediate Release
(June 17, 2019) Kitsumkalum BC —- The Kitsumkalum Fish & Wildlife Operations Department is conducting a Spill Response project that will require staining the river with a highly visible nontoxic Rhodamine dye. There will be two releases of dye in order to catch two different flow rates. There will be two dye applications taking place, in the Terrace area and down river in the Khyex River area, to ensure all flow and tidal scenarios are considered. The first release of dye will occur on July 2 to July 5, close to the Kitsumkalum Reserve and the second will occur between August 15-31.
Kitsumkalum would like to advise the public and area residents that the materials used for this study will be visibly observed and are non-toxic. It is a part of a water flow study on the Skeena River and tributaries with the objective of developing a spill response plan for the protection of salmon habitat in the event that a CN Railway derailment occurs.
With CN Rail traffic and train lengths increasing along with the plans to transport more hazardous materials, Kitsumkalum has identified an increased risk to the Skeena River, and the salmon that migrate up the river; leading the Nation to engage Northwest Hydraulics, to help conduct the study.
Studies by Kitsumkalum and other First Nations along the river have taken place already to identify and map out sensitive fish habitats. The next steps for this pilot project are to release the nontoxic and biodegradable dye into the water to see what path it takes using drones and a battery of sensors to monitor the results. For long term tracking, GPS trackers will also be released into the water and followed by satellite. The data will then be migrated into a numerical flow model which is a predictive tool and the results will be documented in a report that is scientifically defensible.
“Once we have the report Kitsumkalum will share the information with – CN Railway, BC and Canada (already collaborating with Kitsumkalum on the development of a Regional Response Plan) to develop a Geographical Emergency Spill Response Strategy.
We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we carry out our study. There are no impacts while the study is taking place. Just a dramatic and temporary change in the colour of the river caused by the biodegradable dye that will last about 7 hours after each release.” says Mark Biagi, the Fish and Wildlife Operations Manager for Kitsumkalum.
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For Media Interview Coordination Contact:
Heather Bohn
Communications Coordinator
Phone: 250-635-6177 ext. 106
Email hbohn@kitsumkalum.bc.ca