Report a Concern

Help Protect the Coquitlam River — Use the resources below to report environmental concerns to the right authority. Each concern includes a direct link and directory to the correct reporting portal.

⚠️ Immediate hazard?

For spills, chemical releases, or threats to human health, call the BC Spills Hotline: 1-800-663-3456 (24 hours) or report online.

Report a Spill Online

Frequently Reported Concerns

High

🗑️Illegal Dumping or Debris Near/In the River

Trash, organic waste that does not belong, paraphernalia, and other materials dumped on the riverbank, riparian area, or in the water. This can not only block important fish passageways but contaminate the River.

Contacts:

City of Coquitlam
  • Engineering and Public Works: 604-927-3500
  • E-mail: epw@coquitlam.ca
  • Person of Contact: Jaime Boan - General Manager
City of Port Coquitlam
  • For emergencies relating to sewer, water, environmental spills, streets or lanes, contact Public Works at 604.927.5496 (office hours) or 604.927.3111 (after hours)
BC RAPP
  • 1-877-952-7277
High

💧 Water Pollution

Oily sheen, foam, unusual color, or strong odour in the river all may indicate a spill, sewage leak, or industrial discharge.

If there is a fuel spill or other flammable/hazardous substance, call 911.

Contacts:

Report a Spill - BC Gov City of Coquitlam
  • Engineering and Public Works: 604-927-3500
  • E-mail: epw@coquitlam.ca
  • Person of Contact: Jaime Boan - General Manager
City of Port Coquitlam
  • For emergencies relating to sewer, water, environmental spills, streets or lanes, contact Public Works at 604.927.5496 (office hours) or 604.927.3111 (after hours)
High

🐟 Fish in Distress

Dead or dying fish in the river or on its banks, may indicate disease or toxic contamination.

Contacts:

Fisheries & Oceans Canada BC RAPP
  • 1-877-952-7277
Moderate

🌿 Invasive Plant Species

Invasive plants like Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, and Himalayan blackberry crowd out native species along the riverbanks and can cause problems such as erosion.

Contacts:

Invasive Species Council of BC City of Coquitlam Parks City of Port Coquitlam
  • For emergencies relating to sewer, water, environmental spills, streets or lanes, contact Public Works at 604.927.5496 (office hours) or 604.927.3111 (after hours)
  • For non-urgent requests or inquiries, use the Service Request form

Contact the Burke Mountain Naturalists to assist with removal in local parks.

Moderate

🏞️ Streambank Erosion or Slope Instability

Collapsing banks, exposed tree roots, or landslides near the river can degrade fish habitat.

Contacts:

City of Coquitlam
  • Engineering and Public Works: 604-927-3500
  • E-mail: epw@coquitlam.ca
  • Person of Contact: Jaime Boan - General Manager
City of Port Coquitlam
  • For emergencies relating to sewer, water, environmental spills, streets or lanes, contact Public Works at 604.927.5496 (office hours) or 604.927.3111 (after hours)
Moderate

🦌 Injured or Distressed Wildlife

Injured birds, mammals, or other wildlife in or near the watershed should be reported to the appropriate provincial agency.

Contacts:

Moderate

🐻 Bears

Bear conflict situations should be reported to the appropriate provincial agency.

Contacts:

City of Coquitlam
  • Contains information on the prevention of bear attractants

Additional information: Be Bear Aware

How to Make an Effective Report

If you spot a fire, smell or see smoke, call 9-1-1 immediately and report your location.

  1. Note the exact location (GPS or address). E.g., nearest street address, town, or water course.
  2. Take photos or video if it is safe to do so.
  3. Record the date and time of observation. If individuals, vehicles, or boats are involved, be sure to note descriptive or identifying features.
  4. Use the link above for your concern type.
  5. Keep your copy of your report reference number.