The City of Richmond has closed off beaches at Garry Point Park due to a "significant diesel leak."
The leak was reported to Steveston Harbour Authority (SHA) on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 11, said SHA spokesperson Stephen Barnett.
Those in the area might have smelled a pungent odour, and a local resident also reported seeing dead fish after the leak occurred.
Photos of the spill were also shared on Twitter by user @StevestonShips.
"The source of the leak has not yet been identified. It can be very hard to pinpoint the source due to the shifting currents," said Barnett.
The Canadian Coast Guard is currently on scene and conducting an investigation with assistance from Richmond Fire-Rescue and city staff.
The public is asked to "stay back from shorelines, keep an eye on pets, and avoid swimming," said city spokesperson Linea Volkering. Kayakers, paddleboarders and jet skiers should also avoid Cannery Channel at this time.
Just two months ago in June, SHA's general manager Jaime Gusto had asked city council to approve $1.67 million in funding to dredge Cannery Channel.
“Certain sections of Cannery Channel are approaching critical levels of water depth and are now posing safety concerns for large vessels trying to access the harbour,” Gusto told city council.
One of the safety concerns mentioned by Gusto was fuel spills.
“Can you imagine what this could mean for our marine life and habitat if a fuel tank ruptured because there wasn’t enough water to enter?” Gusto told council in June.
Richmond News has reached out to Canadian Coast Guard for comment.
- With files from Maria Rantanen
