Environment Canada investigating chemical linked to salmon deaths in B.C.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says it will be fast-tracking an investigation into a chemical which some believe to be linked to salmon deaths across B.C.

The Environment Ministry says it will add the chemical 6PPD to its priority assessment list, following a request from environmental groups across the province.

In a letter dated April 30, Minister Steven Guilbeault says it will begin investigations into whether the substance is toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Eco-advocates with the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, the Watershed Watch Salmon Society, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation submitted the request in February, citing emerging research linking the chemical to the mass death of coho salmon.

The study published out of the University of Washington says that coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest have seen “regular acute mortality events” — a phenomenon that advocates say is under-researched in Canada.

Following the minister’s announcement, Ecojustice lawyer Daniel Cheater said in a written statement that he’s looking forward to seeing federal action.

“We commend the government for taking appropriate action and granting our request to prioritize 6PPD for assessment. It is now critical that this toxic chemical be assessed as soon as possible.”

6PPD is often used in vehicle tires to enhance their durability. Advocates say that as tires wear down, the chemical seeps into urban waterways through rainwater, leading to toxic levels for salmon. They say climate change and extreme weather events have exacerbated these effects, such as droughts followed by heavy rains.

In Guilbeault’s letter, it was noted that government-funded research into 6PPD is currently underway and that “information submitted in [Ecojustice’s] request has been reviewed, and it aligns with information currently being collected by Environment and Climate Change Canada on 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone”.  

Ecojustice says coho salmon are key players in B.C.’s waters.

“Coho salmon are considered a keystone species that supports entire ecosystems. When there are mass die-offs of keystone species like coho salmon, it can have a ripple effect that is felt by other species and sometimes even entire ecosystems,” the organization said in a written statement.