Maple Ridge food processor warned over unauthorized wastewater discharge
A Maple Ridge fruit and vegetable processing company has been issued a warning by the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks for discharging wastewater without the required provincial authorization.
In a June 8 warning letter, the ministry said an inspection of Silver Valley Farms Ltd., located at 21515 128 Ave., found the company was introducing waste into the environment while operating without a valid waste discharge permit under the Environmental Management Act (EMA).
The inspection was conducted following a complaint and included a review of the company’s wastewater management practices between Dec. 12, 2025, and June 3, 2026.
According to the ministry, Silver Valley processes and packages fresh and frozen fruit products, including produce sourced from its own farms and other growers. As a fruit and vegetable processing operation, it is classified as a prescribed industry under provincial regulations and requires authorization to discharge waste into the environment.
Inspectors determined the facility’s wastewater, which includes fruit wash water and cleaning effluent, met the definition of waste under the EMA. Ministry officials reviewed samples collected on April 9 and found one sample exceeded provincial water quality guidelines for nitrite and had a pH level below acceptable standards for freshwater aquatic life.
The ministry said wastewater from the facility is treated through an on-site system before being discharged into an unlined drainage ditch. The ditch runs through agricultural land and can either disperse into surrounding fields or flow toward the Alouette River through a discharge pipe.
Officials noted the company had taken steps to reduce discharges following a previous warning issued in December 2025, including increasing the frequency of settling tank pumping and improving filtration systems.
However, the ministry concluded the company remained out of compliance because it did not hold a valid waste discharge authorization during the inspection period.
Records reviewed by the ministry show Silver Valley submitted an application for a waste discharge authorization on Jan. 29, 2026, but the application remained pending as of June 3.
The ministry has ordered the company to immediately cease the unauthorized introduction of waste into the environment and obtain the necessary permit before resuming any discharge activities.
The warning letter notes that violations of the EMA can result in fines of up to $1 million, imprisonment for up to six months, or administrative penalties of up to $75,000.
The ministry requested a written response from the company within 30 days outlining corrective actions taken and measures to prevent future non-compliance.
The latest warning follows a previous unauthorized discharge warning issued to Silver Valley Farms on Dec. 16, 2025. The ministry said the company’s compliance history will be considered if future violations occur.
