Transcript of Letter to TRRS from Joyce Murray

Reference 62988

Sep 13 2001

Ronald Frank
Vice president
Tsolum River Restoration Society
PO Box 488
Merville BC V0R 2M0

Dear Ronald Frank:

The Honourable Stan Hagen has forwarded your June 12, 2001 letter to me for consideration. I appreciate your interest and concern for restoration of the Tsolum River to its former excellence as a salmon stream, a concern that this ministry shares.

I am advised that Environment Canada has issued an Inspector's direction pursuant to Section 38(6) of the Fisheries Act, to both the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway Company and to TimberWest Forest Limited, requiring Pyrrhotite Creek, upstream of Murex Creek, be rendered non-toxic to fish. I agree with the federal government that, where they can be identified, responsible parties should be required to restore environmental quality. To date the province has not developed any specific agreements with Environment Canada or the parties noted above. However, I am definitely concerned about water quality in the Tsolum River and will make every effort towards its restoration.

For additional information on the inspector's direction, please contact Brian Wilson, Director, Environmental Protection Branch, Pacific and Yukon Region.

Best regards,

Joyce Murray

Minister

Cc Brian Wilson, Director, Environmental Protection Branch, Pacific and Yukon Region.