RDN flagged for alleged toxic sewage outflow at Duke Point
NANAIMO — Excessive levels of toxic fecal matter are among several infractions listed in an advisory notice against the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).
A recent Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy non-compliance letter references monitoring data between January 2023 and January 2026 indicating wastewater effluent discharged into Northumberland Channel exceeded limits on three occasions: once in May 2024 and twice last summer.
A July 17, 2025, fecal reading (fecal coliform) was over 16 times higher than the provincially mandated limit.
An RDN outfall pipe in the ocean between Duke Point and Gabriola Island is only permitted to involve discharging treated wastewater within strict limits.


