Marine Harvest Canada Reports no Major Damage or Injuries from Massive Storm
Marine Harvest Canada, March 14, 2012
After back to back severe storms hitting Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Marine Harvest Canada (MHC) reports no major damage to its salmon farming operations or injuries to staff.
On March 12 and 14, sustained winds of 70-100 kilometres per hour (gusting up to 137 kms/hr) wreaked havoc on the Island; uprooting massive trees, knocking out power and cancelling air and boat travel. About 35,000 homes were without power on Vancouver Island - some for over three days.
"This was one of the strongest storms I can remember," said Matt Clarke, MHC's Marine Engineering Manager, "but our marine-based operations fared well against massive waves and high winds. Some minor equipment damage occurred as could be expected, but nothing that would be deemed critical or life threatening."
An incident of serious concern did occur at one of Marine Harvest's land-based aquaculture facilities 55 kms north of Campbell River. Falling trees dropped power lines perilously close to propane storage tanks, and very close to three family homes that are on the property. BC Hydro is currently working to rectify the issue
"Back-up generators at our land-based operations have been running successfully for several days now to provide water flow and oxygen to the fish," said Philip Redmond, MHC's Freshwater Operations Manager.
James Rogers, Health and Safety Manager, commented that no incidents of injury to any employees requiring medical attention have been reported.
Marine Harvest Canada is British Columbia's largest salmon aquaculture company with a staff of 500. It's processing plants, marine and land based operations are located on and around Vancouver Island and Klemtu.
