Appendix A - Trust Council Delegation Presentation Material

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Pages 2 - 24 
John Roe, Veins of Life Watershed Society - Addressing the Causes and Problems Affecting 
Freshwater and Marine Shoreline  
 
 Pages 25 - 27 
Elsie Born, Salt Spring Island Poultry Club - Protecting Agricultural Land and Supporting Local Farmers 
 

Addressing the Causes and Problems 
Affecting Freshwater and Marine 
Shoreline Ecosystems to Rebuild the 
Shellfish Industry Without 
Depuration



Septic Systems and the impact on the Salish Sea 

I am writing to you on behalf of Veins of Life Watershed Society a dedicated environmental 
organization focused on preserving and restoring British Columbia’s precious ecosystems. We 
are deeply concerned about the ongoing degradation of freshwater and marine shoreline 
ecosystems within the Islands Trust area, and its consequent impact on the local shellfish 
industry. Our intent is to highlight the critical issues and advocate for the stringent 
implementation of existing bylaws and regulations to ensure the sustainable recovery and 
growth of this vital industry without the need for depuration. 
Causes of Degradation in Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems 
The ecosystems within the Islands Trust area are uniquely vulnerable to a variety of 
anthropogenic impacts. These delicate ecosystems are critical for maintaining biodiversity, 
water quality, and the viability of local fisheries, particularly the shellfish industry. However, 
several key issues have contributed to their degradation: 
1. Improperly Maintained Septic Systems: 
o Leaching of Contaminants: A significant portion of residential properties in the 
Islands Trust area rely on septic systems. When these systems are not adequately 
maintained, they can leak harmful contaminants, including pathogens, nutrients, 
and chemical substances, into nearby freshwater and marine environments. This 
leakage can lead to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and the 
accumulation of pathogens in shellfish beds. 
o Bacterial Contamination: Poorly functioning septic systems are a primary 
source of bacterial contamination in freshwater streams and coastal waters, 
leading to elevated levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and other harmful bacteria. 
This contamination is directly responsible for the closure of shellfish beds and the 
necessity for depuration before shellfish can be deemed safe for consumption. 

2. Urban Runoff and Stormwater Discharges: 
o Nutrient Overload: Urban runoff, often rich in fertilizers, pesticides, and other 
pollutants, contributes to the nutrient overload in water bodies. This can 
exacerbate the growth of harmful algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in the 
water and create hypoxic conditions, detrimental to marine life and shellfish 
populations. 
o Chemical Contaminants: Runoff from roads, parking lots, and industrial areas 
often carries oils, heavy metals, and other toxic substances into watercourses and 
marine environments, further compromising water quality and the health of 
aquatic organisms. 
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