Back in December 2021, the K’ómoks First Nation (KFN) issued a stark warning about the risks of Deep Water Recovery Ltd.’s shipbreaking activities in Union Bay. They raised concerns about toxic pollution threatening Baynes Sound’s shellfish industry and marine ecosystem, calling the operation an “environmental disaster waiting to happen.”
K’ómoks First Nation Press Release (December 2021):
“Ship destruction can introduce a host of toxic chemicals and materials into the air, land, and water, like lead, asbestos, and other contaminants.”
“We know it isn’t a matter of if, but rather, when something environmentally damaging is going to happen with these harmful activities.”
“Until it’s too late and an actual environmental impact happens, there is nothing holding the company accountable.”
Fast forward to 2025, and their fears have come true. The B.C. Ministry of Environment has confirmed ongoing pollution violations at Deep Water Recovery’s site, issuing fines and enforcement orders for toxic metal contamination (copper, lead, and zinc) leaking into the waters of Union Bay.
Environmental Appeal Board Decision (June 2024):
“The Order addresses pollution the Ministry says is ongoing as a result of effluent being discharged from the location of Deep Water’s operations (‘the Site’) into the waters of Union Bay.”
“Deep Water’s application for a stay was denied because it failed to establish that irreparable harm would result from compliance, while evidence showed ongoing contamination.”
B.C. Ministry of Environment Warning (January 2025):
“On January 14, 2025, Ministry of Environment Officer Jurgen Deagle conducted an office-review inspection of the Deep Water Recovery Ltd. (DWR) ship breaking facility.”
“On November 16 and 25, 2024, DWR discharged effluent with concentrations of copper, lead, and zinc above BC Water Quality Guidelines to the environment, therefore, DWR is out of compliance.”
“The highest copper levels, 0.0342 mg/L at Sump 1 on November 25, 2024, were 1600% over the long-term copper guideline and 1000% over the short-term guideline.”
CALL TO ACTION! Enough is enough! We demand:
Immediate enforcement of pollution laws—no more toxic metals in our waters!
A full shutdown of shipbreaking at Union Bay until international safety standards are met!
Provincial and federal regulations for ship recycling to prevent future environmental disasters!
SHAMEFUL, we must always act in the best interest of the next seven generations