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City of Fernie fined $13,395 for untreated wastewater releases into Elk River
British Columbia's Ministry of Environment and Parks imposed a $13,395 fine on the City of Fernie for violating its wastewater permit after the municipality released untreated effluent into the Elk River during heavy rain events. Records show releases of 11.7 million litres from Dec 6‑8 2023, 66.8 million litres from Dec 11‑13 2025, and 16.9 million litres from Dec 17‑18 2025, all intended to relieve pressure on the town’s overloaded system.
The city argued the bypasses were necessary to avoid raw sewage entering streets, damaging pump stations and threatening public health. The province rejected this rationale, citing real or potential risks to aquatic life, livestock and downstream recreation. Subsequent water testing recorded fecal coliform levels of 3,400 CFU per 100 ml and E. coli at 2,310 CFU per 100 ml, far exceeding provincial limits. The municipality has undertaken upgrades to its wastewater facility in response to the incidents.
Entities
British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Parks · City of Fernie · Elk River
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Untreated effluent was released into the Elk River from Dec 6‑8 2023 totaling 11.7 million litres. todayinbc.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · thefreepress.ca
- [● 3 SOURCES] Water samples downstream showed fecal coliform 3,400 CFU per 100 ml and E. coli 2,310 CFU per 100 ml, exceeding limits. todayinbc.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · thefreepress.ca
- [● 3 SOURCES] Untreated effluent was released into the Elk River from Dec 11‑13 2025 totaling 66.8 million litres. todayinbc.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · thefreepress.ca
- [● 3 SOURCES] Untreated effluent was released into the Elk River from Dec 17‑18 2025 totaling 16.9 million litres. todayinbc.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · thefreepress.ca
- [● 3 SOURCES] The city claimed the releases were necessary to protect the community from sewage backflow and pump damage. todayinbc.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · thefreepress.ca
- [● 3 SOURCES] BC Ministry of Environment and Parks fined the City of Fernie $13,395 for non‑compliance with its wastewater permit. todayinbc.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · thefreepress.ca
- [● 3 SOURCES] The releases coincided with heavy rainfall that overwhelmed Fernie's wastewater system. todayinbc.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · thefreepress.ca
- [● 3 SOURCES] Upgrades have been made to Fernie's wastewater facility over the years. todayinbc.com · crestonvalleyadvance.ca · thefreepress.ca