Tsartlip Partners with BC Ferries to Offer Pump-Out Service
New partnership between BC Ferries and Tsartlip will help protect Salish Sea.
Tsartlip First Nation will soon offer a mobile Sani-pump service to prevent boats from dumping raw sewage in the Tod Inlet. This service will allow Tsartlip Stewardship Staff to actively protect and care for the ecology of the Salish Sea.
The Tod Inlet was previously serviced by Butchart Gardens. While Butchart Gardens recognized the importance of preventing raw sewage dumping, they wanted to provide an opportunity to Tsartlip which closely aligned with their values to steward the sea.
Butchart Gardens reached out to Tsartlip to discuss taking over the service, and Tsartlip eagerly accepted the opportunity to care for the sea. The pump-out boat and business were donated to Tsartlip Stewardship Department by Butchart Gardens in September 2022.
Because Tsartlip doesn’t have the facilities required to manage sewage collected from the pump-out boat, Tsartlip Stewardship Staff trained to operate the vessel will utilize the boat in conjunction with BC Ferries pump-out facility. Tsartlip Stewardship Department will work to get all necessary safety materials for safe operation of the boat and facility.
Today, BC Ferries and Tsartlip have finalized an agreement to offer training to Tsartlip Stewardship Staff and use of the pump-out facility at Brentwood Bay to Tsartlip First Nation under a similar agreement to the previous contract with Butchart Gardens. The pump-out service is expected to resume shortly.
“We are excited to work in partnership with Tsartlip First Nation to help improve the ecology and marine resources of the Salish Sea,” said Brian Anderson, Vice President, Strategy and Community Engagement, BC Ferries. “Supporting the pump-out service is a great first collaboration for our renewed relationship.”
Tsartlip First Nation and BC Ferries signed a Relationship Protocol in December 2022, which represents a commitment to building a shared path forward and lays the foundation for creating new mutually beneficial social and economic opportunities.
Tsartlip Stewardship Department celebrates this opportunity for the Tsartlip community to steward the sea.
