Recreational Garbage

Due to such heavy regular usage of Chilliwack Vedder River, problems have emerged over the last several years. Often at the end of each weekend, the mess created by campers can be described as the reminants of a battlefield. Piles of garbage can often be found left around fireplaces. Anglers who are so focused on their fishing progress will often drop their used styrofoam cups or fishing lines on the bank. There seems to be a lack of respect among users. As a result, it creates a very unpleasant environment for local residents who are ready to take further action to prevent such incidence from occuring again.

Criminal Garbage

An even larger problem is the illegal overnight dumping that is taking place on a regular basis. These large items are known as "criminal garbage". On any given day of the year, it is a norm to discover old fridges, stoves and tires during a walk along the lower river and canal. These items are dumped by selfish and irresponsible home or business owners who choose to save a few pennies of dumping fee instead of the environment. Even larger items such as bikes and cars are often dismantled and left in the river by thiefs. Large quantities of potting soil, fertilizer and electrical utilities can also be found. This is often the work of illegal grow operations.