Cleanup efforts continue in the Howe Sound and Squamish estuary following the Westwood Anette oil spill. Meanwhile, the freighter ship left its Squamish Terminals berth under the close scrutiny of federal, provincial and district environmental observers at 8 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 12). It's departure allowed cleanup crews to begin scrubbing the now-exposed pier.
"I said to the captain 'No hard feelings, but we're anxious to see you go'," said Acting Mayor Mike Jenson.
The pier had to be cleaned before another ship - expected to arrive Thursday evening (Aug. 17) - would be allowed to enter the berth, in order to avoid the contamination of its hull, said Jenson.
By Thursday, there was no end in sight to Burrard Clean's job of scrubbing the estuary's contaminated shores.
"They're continuing their efforts," said Jenson. "There's still work to be done in the estuary."
District environmental staff and Polaris Applied Sciences, a company that specializes in oil spill cleanups, collected samples of the oil and sediment to assess the level of contamination.
"There is minimal mobile (loose) oil in the estuary foreshore and marsh areas at this point," states a Wednesday (Aug. 16) District of Squamish news release. "Efforts are ongoing to separate oil from the foreshore and beach sediment in the areas just to the north of the Squamish Terminals.Logs and boulders used by recreationalists to lay up gear [at the spit] are being pressure washed."
The District reopened Nexen Beach, the Squamish Oceanfront Interpretative Trail and the Windsurf Spit on Wednesday, but advised caution.
"Areas that remain closed are the south end of the Squamish Estuary where most of the oil came ashore, as well as the associated nearby trails," states the news release. "Main reasons - there is mobile oil and staining present and it also provides arefuge for clean birds to land other than in the oiled area."
International wildlife rescue organization Focus Wildlife has recovered one dead goose and captured seven live geese, which were sent to Vancouver for cleaning.
The recovered geese are weighed, and tested for gastrointestinal and heart problems as well as any signs of extreme anemia, said rehabilitation manager Coleen Ducette.
"So far, we're pleased with their condition," she said.
Focus workers also spotted contaminated herons, ducks and other species, but were unable to capture the birds.
Focus workers say local businesses and residents have been invaluable in assisting the bird rescue program. The group is using the Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation building, located on the former Nexen land. Veterinarians Va Dindala and Tom Honey have volunteered their expertise in treated recovered wildlife. The Squamish General Hospital donated sheets, blankets and towels to the cause. IGA and Save-On Foods donated discarded greens to help feed rescued birds. And the Squamish Feed and Tack is offering grains for half price. The Howe Sound Inn is offering workers accommodations at a discount. River's Edge is also offering discounts on supplies to those involved.
