What, more again? The excavator returns. Soon it becomes evident that today's objective is to cover in the fixed wharf stub as much as possible so it stays er . . .fixed. Earth and fill are scraped from the ocean, the beach and the adjacent inland area. Trees are slain. The big scoop flies here and there.
We're feeling desperate. We have always understood that shoreline and ocean waters were not to be disturbed without appropriate application, including impact statements, and subsequent protective measures. The man from provincial environment referred to containment booms to limit the effects of silting. None of those here, and we are close to a scheduled salmon river, plus lobster are being taken in the harbour just now. What about disturbance of the beach, both above and below the waterline -- whose responsibility is that? The lane and road have been mutilated. Can the town afford to repair that? And now the digging is within meters of the sewer outfall.
We seize on the potential risk to the sewer and email the town. Sure enough, a couple of men arrive to have a look. Their visit is short and nothing stops. Did they not notice the ravaged beach, damaged roads, excavator in the water? Is this not the town that last week unveiled the new Oceans Holyrood Initative? Sorry to have bothered you.
Provincial Environment is doubtful of its jurisdiction. There is a division responsible for fisheries habitat. Somebody will send the information to them. We are told the dock owner has now applied to construct a boathouse on the shore.
Federal DFO takes some interest, but once again it's a matter of finding the right people in the right division.
Okay, we know that neither level of government gives top priority to the environment. It's not the fault of staff if there are not enough people to enforce regulations that are too weak to protect the ocean and too poorly monitored to act as deterrents.
But, somebody tell me please: WHOSE BEACH IS IT AND DOESN'T ANYBODY WANT TO SAVE IT?
P.S. The floating dock is in. Another happy boating season ahead.
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