It all comes out in the wash, especially when someone pours soap down a storm drain.
On Monday, Deep Cove resident Trudel Kroecher spotted what she described as a “dish soap disaster” coming from a drainpipe on the beach below Panorama Park in North Vancouver.
A white cloud of small, shiny bubbles could be seen sitting atop a bed of stones and barnacles.
When reached on Tuesday, the District of North Vancouver said its staff were on site and investigating the “ongoing issue.”
By Wednesday, staff had determined the cause.
“A resident emptied a large quantity of soap into a storm drain,” said district spokesperson Ryan Schaap. “DNV staff attended the site and cleaned the soap and foam from the sewer system and surrounding area.”
“While we do not expect any further environmental concerns from this incident, staff educated neighbours on the risks of cleaning materials and contaminated water entering our storm system,” he said.
No fines were issued, Schaap said.
North Shore Streamkeepers president Keegan Cassidy said it’s disappointing to see that people are still associating storm drains with the sanitary network.
“I hope there was a chance to at least deliver education,” he said.
To avoid harmful detergents from getting in our waterways, the DNV recommends going to a car wash, or washing your car on your lawn. Paint trays and brushes should be washed in a sink in your home.
