Wastewater Characterization of Fish Processing Plant Effluents

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
In June 1993 the Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP) retained NovaTec Consultants
Inc. (NovaTec), and their subconsultants EVS Environmental Consultants, to carry out an effluent
sampling program at a select group of fish processing plants which discharge to the Fraser River
Estuary. This study was to form part of an inter-agency coordinated three-year (cyclical)
monitoring program, described by the Water Quality Plan of the Fraser River Estuary Management
Program. The monitoring program is intended to generate environmental trend data on the fate and
effects of contaminants in the Fraser Estuary, and to permit assessment of the relative degree
of contamination of receiving waters and biota. The work carried out as part of the present study
will be used in conjunction with data gathered from other industrial operations (forestry, metal
finishing and cement industries) evaluated in February/March of 1993. The fish processing
wastewater characterization program was carried out at a later date than the other industrial
operations due to the seasonal nature of their operation.
1.2 Objectives
The objectives of the present study include the following components:
1. To compile and summarize recent available information on the physical and chemical
characteristics, toxicity, volume of discharge, and discharge frequency of permitted
effluents and other discharges entering the Fraser River, and Burrard Inlet from the fish
processing industries listed below (see Figure 1 for location of fish processing
facilities):
Bella Coola Fisheries (Permit #5400)
B.C. Packers (Permit #1830)
Great Northern Packing (Permit #7810)
FREMP 03/21/1994
Fish Processing Plant Effluent 1