Tires in creek. (submitted photo/Okanagan Forest Task Force)

By Kevin Rothwell

North Okanagan creek used to dump tires

Feb 12, 2021 | 11:31 AM

The Okanagan Forest Task Force has uncovered another pristine remote creek that has been used as an illegal dump site for old tires and other debris.

The group stated in a Facebook post it is working with government agencies to get the go ahead to remove tons of tires from it.

“Because of the impact that has already happened we need to work with the agencies to have the proper steps taken.These photos would make a perfect poster for illegal dumping and the impact it can have on streams and creeks,” Kane Blake with Okanagan Forest Task Force said. “How they got there we will never know. What we do know is this group can make a difference and have it all clean so our wildlife can have clean drinking water.”

The fact tires have been discarded is a surprise, as there is no economic penalty in B.C. to get rid of unwanted tires.

“Not only do scrap tires waste limited landfill space but they can also contaminate groundwater, and provide breeding grounds for mosquito-borne diseases like the West Nile Virus,” Tire Stewarship BC (TSBC) stated.

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TSBC is the not-for-profit society responsible for the collection, processing and environmentally sound management of all scrap tires designated under the B.C. Recycling Regulation. Tires can be dropped off free of charge at any tire retailer in the province.

If the necessary permits are issued by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the group hopes to remove the tires this summer.