Online Reporting Site For Flood Debris in Local Rivers

The Province is asking for the public’s help in locating and reporting flood debris found in rivers and creeks in the Fraser Valley Regional District.

In November 2021, three large rainfall events known as atmospheric rivers caused flooding in the Sumas Prairie to Hope, Merritt, and Princeton areas. The floods had the potential to release and deposit contaminants into the environment which can affect human health and the environment.

The Province is assessing debris found in waterways and, where a public safety threat is identified, is engaging with Indigenous Nations, local authorities, and private citizens on a plan for removal.

The Flood Debris Explorer provides an online form where the public can list the debris type – natural (log jam, large trees) or human-made (cars, structures), location (on a map, GPS location) and attach a photo. The public can use their computer or smartphone or call the 24-hour Spill Reporting Line: 1-800-663-3456.

The Province recently reported that 34 debris items have been identified in the Fraser and Coquihalla rivers. Contractors are still assessing and expect debris removal to commence around March 21 and into April.

For each public safety threat identified, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (ENV) works with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNR) under the Heritage Conservation Act (1996) to ensure archeological impacts are minimized when debris is removed.

ENV is also guided by FLNR and the Water Sustainability Act (1997) as well as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the federal Fisheries Act (1985) when threats to streams, rivers, and waterways are identified.

Visit the Province’s flood response and the environment site to learn more.