One of the key insights into how 6PPD-quinone enters waterways is the presence of stormwater drains on many bridges crossing creeks and rivers. These drains, in effect, function as direct conduits for contaminants. When vehicles travel across bridges, tiny particles from tires wear off and accumulate on the roadway. Then, when it rains, those particles—and the 6PPD-quinone they contain—are washed over the drains and directly into the waterways below.

One gorgeous weekend in June, seventeen passionate volunteers came together at French Creek to take part in a Streamkeeper Course. Hosted by the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, this course provided hands-on training in assessing fish habitat and stream health. The program is designed to empower local communities with the knowledge and skills needed to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society (MVIHES), and their dedication never ceases to amaze. From rescuing stranded Coho Salmon fry to...