B.C. First Nations demand provincial action after toxic spill [Video]

Two Chilliwack-area First Nations are calling on the province to help stop further salmon deaths after reports of a toxic spill.

The Cheam and Sqwá First Nations say a toxic discharge was found in September and killed thousands of juvenile salmon in the Hope Slough, which is also the site of a joint fish habitat restoration project.

“Through investigation by our staff and land guardians, we discovered a pipe spewing industrial waste into a ditch,” said the Cheam First Nation, in a statement.

The First Nation also provided a drone video showing a white substance being spread in the Hope Slough via a pipe beneath a nearby road.

Councillors for Cheam and Sqwá First Nations told CTV News Monday that a strong smell has been present for weeks, and residue of the white substance can be seen atop the water in some areas.

“The stretch was so powerful, so strong,” …