Nicomekl cleanup nets 11 industrial garbage bins full of debris

The City of Surrey says it has completed a cleanup project in the Nicomekl River.

Between Sept. 9 and 11, the city worked with Transport Canada to clean up the river in South Surrey.

“…a variety of debris was collected, including abandoned or wrecked vessels, rafts, and associated garbage,” the city said in a news release.

A total of 11 industrial garbage bins were filled with debris and trash and taken to the dump.

“The cleanup not only eliminates environmental hazards but also promotes responsible boating practices on the Nicomekl River,” Mayor Brenda Locke said.

The Nicomekl River runs along a popular walking trail in South Surrey. Nearby residents have complained in the past about garbage around the area and derelict vessels on the river, with some expressing concern about how the pollution affects spawning fish.

The work fell under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Navigable Water Acts and the Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act.