August 26 2013

Slocan Valley Multi Agency Recovery Team: Information Update # 1

 

 

IHA and MoE Staff On Site at Recovery Centre To Answer Questions

IHA and MoE staff were on site at the Recovery Centre between 10am-12pm on Friday August 23rd to answer residents’ questions about health and environmental issues, including data explanation. Staff will be on site again on Tuesday August 27th and Thursday August 29th to answer further questions.

 

Recovery Centre To Remain Open Until August 30th

The Recovery Centre will remain open until Friday August 30th. Any residents still using the potable water, showers and wash cars should speak with Nelle Maxey, the Recovery Manager, to discuss any continuing needs.

 

Multi Agency Recovery Team Established

A Multi Agency Recovery Team (MART) has been established to support the evolving recovery efforts for the Lemon Creek fuel spill. This committee, comprised of RDCK, IHA, EMBC, MoE, MoA and others is working jointly to ensure that all aspects of community and environmental recovery are conducted effectively and efficiently.

 

Data Available for Public Review

Data collected during the Lemon Creek fuel spill response has been released to the public for review. This data is presented with its associated sampling plans, locations and assessment benchmarks and is available on the BC Ministry of Environment website at:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/lemon-creek/

 

Kootenay Organic Growers Society Comment on Test Results

“Kootenay Organic Growers Society is very pleased to hear the results from testing of certified organic farms following the Lemon Creek fuel spill. None of these soil or crop samples showed any signs of contamination. This was a very stressful time for local farmers. KOGS members are grateful for all the support we have received from our customers and other farmers' groups. We also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Ministry of Agriculture to ensure a safe supply of food for local markets." – Judi Morton, President KOGS

 

Ongoing & Long Term Monitoring Plans Being Reviewed

SNC Lavalin has developed a draft long-term monitoring plan for assessing the environmental impact to fish, wildlife, water and other criteria; the plan is currently under review by MoE. This long-term monitoring plan will take effect following MoE’s declaration that the cleaning efforts have achieved the desired end points and that the project must transition from remediation to recovery and monitoring.

 

Public Observations and Reports of Product

Experts in Shoreline Cleanup & Assessment Technique (SCAT) have examined the entire river system; however, several members of the public are still observing sheen on the water and are wondering if it a bacterial or petroleum sheen?

A non-petroleum sheen can usually be distinguished from a petroleum sheen by attempting to break up the sheen. When a stick is poked into a bacterial sheen, or a stone is dropped into it, the sheen will typically break into small platelets. In contrast, a petroleum sheen will quickly try to reform after any disturbance. Another difference is odor; a sheen produced by bacteria usually has none, while a sheen caused by a spilled petroleum product may smell like gasoline or diesel fuel.

If you spot a site that meets the above description, and exhibits consistent odour and/or visible sheen, identify the exact location (property address preferably) and forward the information, along with your name and contact information, to the MoE at: 250-354-6333 (8:30-4:30 PDT Monday-Friday)

 

 

In Stream Remediation Activities Curtailed Pending MoE Assessment

The Ministry of Environment is assessing the river system to determine if end points have been met, or if additional remediation efforts are required at this time. The MoE recently published their required end points on their website. The practical reasons for assigning shoreline treatment end points are to:


Having completed the work prescribed by the SCAT specialists, Quantum Murray has demobilized its equipment and most of its personnel. Several local staff remain to monitor containment booms left at the mouth of Lemon Creek and to collect any residual product which flushes out of the stream. Quantum Murray continues to take all appropriate steps to ensure the residual contamination is captured and removed to a licensed waste facility. 

 

Claims

The cause and circumstance surrounding the incident are still under investigation by Transport Canada. While the investigation continues, anyone who may have questions about claims must follow the procedure as set out by the insurance company. Leona Ashcroft, an insurance specialist in Nelson, has a special claims number you can contact her at:

Leona G. Ashcroft, CIP Branch Manager ClaimsPro Inc.,
A division of SCM Insurance Services
2032- 622 Front Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4B7
Toll free: 1 – 800-880-8384
| www.scm-claimspro.ca

 

 

Wells, Intakes and Water Quality

Water quality meets the Canadian Guidelines for Drinking Water. Residents are advised to flush their water systems in accordance with the Interior Health Authority’s recommended process outlined in the document “Procedure for Flushing a Domestic Water System after a Do Not Use Water Advisory” which is located at www.interiorhealth.ca. Copies of this advisory are available at the Recovery Centre.

 

IHA does not intend to sample private water supplies generally, although they will be collecting a set of audit samples to validate data they have received from other sources. Residents on private water supplies (wells and intakes) are advised of the following:

 

 

IHA is not recommending testing of private water supplies based on their risk assessment and the sample results they reviewed. If, however, residents want to have their water tested then IHA will recommend laboratories capable of doing that testing and IHA can assist them in interpreting the results. Environmental Health Officers are available to answer questions and provide advice and can be reached at 250.420.2220.

 

 

Questions?


Health and Water Issues (including drinking water, wells, etc)

 


Interior Health Authority - Health Protection: 250-420-2220 (8:30-4:30 MST Monday-Friday)

 


Spill Reporting and Environmental Issues (including observations of product or environmental impact)

 


Ministry of Environment (Nelson Office): 250-354-6333 (8:30-4:30 PDT Monday-Friday)

 


Fish & Wildlife Issues
Ministry of Environment (Nelson Office): 250-354-6333 (8:30-4:30 PDT Monday-Friday)

 


Crops and Agricultural Issues (including irrigation, livestock, etc)
Ministry of Agriculture: 1-888-221-7141 (8:30-4:30 PDT Monday-Friday)

 

Human Impacts and Recovery Services
Slocan Valley Recovery Centre: 250-226-7323 or email

Regional District of Central Kootenay: 1-800-268-7325

 

Claims & Personal Losses
Leona Ashcroft: 1-800-880-8384


Executive Flight Centre
Executive Flight Centre is committed to keeping people informed. The Executive Flight Centre toll free information (1-855-399-1694) remains in operation and is staffed daily from 8:00am-4:00pm. Please leave a message if you are calling outside those hours. The website at www.lemoncreekresponse.ca continues to be a good source of information. Email can be directed to .