Township Engineering and Public Works crews have contained the petrochemical spill at the mouth of the creek at the end of Sioux Place, west of Gorge Park on the Gorge Waterway. Trace amounts of spill material can still be detected at the outfall, but it is anticipated that clean-up operations will wind down over the next week and containment booms will be removed. Based on information to date, it does not appear any wildlife was affected by the spill.
The spill was noticed on the Gorge Waterway on November 30th, 2015 by Township crews.
Booms and absorbent tiles were deployed and the Township launched an investigation to determine the source and composition of the spill. The substance was identified as kerosene and the source was traced back to the vicinity of Colville Road and Carrie Street. The spill was a one-time illegal discharge into a manhole.
A notification has been delivered to area residents reminding them to have home heating units inspected for leaks, and requesting assistance to determine the cause of the spill.
If residents notice anyone putting a liquid into a manhole or catch basin, they are urged to call the Engineering and Public Works Department at 250-414-7108. The Township will thoroughly review any leads it receives.
The Township would also like to remind residents that materials dumped into the sanitary or storm water collection systems will eventually find their way to water bodies and these materials will have a negative impact on the water, shoreline and marine wildlife in the area. Please dispose of these materials in a responsible and legal manner.
For more information, please contact:
Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
Tel: 250-414-7108