Editor's note: This is a copy of a letter to Squamish's mayor and council. It was copied to The Chief for publication.
My letter of July 17 ("Channel water 'foul,'" Chief, Aug. 1) was acknowledged and tabled into the council meeting of Aug. 20. It was not discussed and no further action is intended by council. It appears that the problem belongs with other agencies and our municipal council.
The issue is that squatters on the water will continue to pollute. They flagrantly ignore the federal and provincial laws regarding clean waterways. I know of none of the 22 illegally parked vessels that have left the harbour this summer, nor have any used the pump-out facility on the harbour pier.
There are many laws, regulations and rules, and many agencies responsible for enforcement. All appear to be waiting for someone else to do the work; so, nothing is getting done! I am also surprised that none of the environmental stewards have taken on this problem.
Yet, there is a reasonably easy solution. Council could, and should, start enforcing good practices under Bylaw 1905 regarding unsightly premises. Enforcement could be done under illegal dumping and all the necessary rules are already promulgated. Action must be taken to eliminate the discharge of untreated sewage into the Mamquam Blind Channel.
James Gracie
Squamish
