Apr 25, 2022

Photo: Chris Boulsbee

Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) First Nations (Vancouver)

The Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island has certified all eight of its facilities in Clean Marine BC, an eco-certification program that supports boating facilities to make improvements that benefit the marine environment and also extend to business operations.
 
The eight facilities, located around Salt Spring Island, have all achieved four-anchor ratings out of five. CMBC anchor ratings range from one anchor for facilities that comply with federal and provincial legislation and are starting to implement environmental best practices to five anchor facilities, which have comprehensive and stronger operational and ecosystem conservation initiatives. These may include reducing and containing toxins, collecting and disposing of various wastes, conserving water and energy, as well as emergency preparedness, and habitat protection initiatives. 
 
Certification highlights of the Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island include:

• A fixed pump out station at the Ganges Breakwater dock is available for public use; 

• Staff who are extensively trained on environmental policy and emergency procedures; 

• A long-term dock replacement program underway to replace structures with materials that are less toxic and damaging to the marine environment; and

• Spill response supplies are visibly located and readily available at all locations should a spill occur.

Clean Marine BC is run by the non-profit Georgia Strait Alliance, the only conservation group focused solely on protecting and restoring the marine environment and promoting the sustainability of the Canadian waters of the Salish Sea, its adjoining waters and communities.