The possibility that long-sought funding to dredge the Mamquam Blind Channel may finally be on its way has environmental advocate John Buchanan gravely concerned.
Buchanan said dredging the channel could uncover mercury-laden silt - remnants of the long-defunct Nexen chemical pant - and unleash a disaster. Buchanan said the reality of unearthing mercury means animals at the top of the food chain will suffer the consequences.
"The mercury could kill off killer whales, seals and other animals on top of the food chain," he said.
Twenty years of silt build-up has left Mamquam Blind Channel impassable outside of high tide, and all along, local interests have begged for funds for dredging, allowing marina expansion. With a recent federal government promise to pour $4 billion into local and regional infrastructure projects, it's hoped this will become a reality.
But Buchanan reminded MP John Weston, who was visited Squamish two weeks ago, that mercury leeched down into the ground during the Nexen chemical plant's long tenure from 1965 to 1991. The company made hydrochloric acid, caustic soda and chlorine on the Howe Sound waterfront. A massive cleanup of groundwater is still ongoing.
"Now some of this mercury is sitting in the sediments of Mamquam River and the best thing to be done is to leave the effected sediments undisturbed," Buchanan said. "This is a serious problem."
As plans proceed to seek funding for the project, Buchanan has a few plans of his own. He said he will set up information booths around the community to warn residents of danger of dredging.
Chris Tamburri, Squamish Tugboat manager, doesn't share Buchanan's environmental concerns.
"It is an important project for Squamish and has plenty of economic benefits," Tamburri said. "There is no mercury anywhere near that project."
Tamburri said the silt is tested prior to the approval of any dredging permits. He said the silt is actually valuable construction fill material and very clean.
"The silt comes out of the Stawamus River watershed so anything that comes out of that valley is quite clean," Tamburri said.
Over the years, Tamburri has watched many boats get stuck in the Mamquam Blind Channel. He said he and his crew are often the first ones on the scene.
"It is dangerous because the government charts are not adjusted to show the lack of water," Tamburri said. "It's been a hazard for some time, and now is the time to do something about it."
A deeper channel means larger boats will be able to access Squamish, which could revitalize the community's marine industry. Tamburri said trips like the defunct Britannia Boat Train Trip could see a rebirth.
"There are many economic benefits from having a big construction project in town that will create jobs to the opening of a waterway. It would increase tourism traffic and allow transport in the harbour regardless of tide conditions," he said.
The project was established as a priority for the District of Squamish a long time ago, said Mayor Greg Gardner.
"It has been a project that has been well received at the conception stage by local representatives of the federal government," he said.
The Blind Channel is restricted due to silt build up, said Gardner, and dredging will be important as the community tries to grow marine based industries. He added the next step is to position Squamish strategically to receive the funding needed for projects of this nature.
