Coquitlam wants more yellow fish by catch basins.
This week, the city called on residents and community groups to pick up a free kit to mark catch basins, so neighbours know that anything that goes down the drain can kill fish and their habitat.
In partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Adopt-a-Catch Basin program aims to protect the more than 16,000 storm drains in the city from debris, litter and chemicals.
To date, 657 catch basins have been “adopted” — and some have even been named.
Residents who want to take part in the Adopt-a-Catch Basin program can email the Environment Division at [email protected].
Meanwhile, you can report illegal dumping of substances in storm drains to the Engineering and Public Works customer service hot-line by calling 604-927-3500 or emailing [email protected].
Fines for toxic dumping are levied under the city’s bylaws, as well as through provincial and federal agencies.
Here are some tips to keep the more than 300 km of creeks and streams in Coquitlam free from chemicals:
- keep pets away from streets
- animal waste is a pollutant, and pet activity can disturb fish and wildlife
- don’t use pesticides on your lawn or gardens
- wash your car on the lawn or at a car wash
- sweep your driveway or paths instead of hosing them off
- drain pool or hut tub water into a sanitary sewer
- keep dirt, paint and wet concrete away from drains during a home renovation
