UPDATE: Remediation work under way; public meeting slated
By Emergency Operations Centre
Updated release as of 12:25 p.m. July 29:
Extensive sampling of water courses in the Slocan Valley continues following the fuel spill in Lemon Creek on Friday, July 26, 2013. Visual inspection of the Slocan, Columbia and Kootenay rivers and Lemon Creek has occurred from the air and by boat.
Little evidence of fuel was visible on the Columbia River and one or two relatively small isolated pockets were observed on the Kootenay River. There is evidence of fuel still on the Slocan River, particularly in back eddies, log jams and gravel bars. Because of this continuing presence, the Do Not Use order placed by Interior Health remains in effect for surface source users downstream of Lemon Creek.
Analysis of sampling is being expedited and should be available within a day or two. The various agencies along with the company – Executive Flight Centre – are working at providing water to those who are unable to resource alternate sources for everyday use.
A public meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 7:00 pm at the Winlaw Community Hall. Representatives of the agencies involved and the company will speak and address questions.
Previous release:
The Regional District of Central Kootenay’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is holding a public meeting to address issues regarding the spill of fuel in Lemon Creek that occurred Friday, July 26, 2013. Representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Interior Health Authority, Wildfire Management Branch and the company – Executive Flight Centre – will be in attendance to answer questions from the public.
LOCATION: Winlaw Community Hall, 5897 Highway 6
DATE: 7 p.m. – July 30, 2013
