IH updates Slocan Valley residents on Lemon Creek fuel spill
By Nelson Daily Staff
Interior Health has released a statement on the status of water in the Slocan Valley following the July 26 jet fuel spill at Lemon Creek.
Until further notice, a Do Not Use order for Drinking Water and Recreational Use remains in effect for Lemon Creek, Slocan River and Kootenay River above and below Brilliant Dam.
Fuel is still visible in the containment booms and along the shoreline. In the majority of cases, well water is not affected by this order. However, shallow wells close to the creek or rivers, particularly those in gravel/sandy soils, may be impacted. Residents should not use well water if there is a fuel smell in the well or at any tap.
Professionals with knowledge about contaminated sites and biology who have been contracted by Executive Flight Centre continue to do testing of affected water. This testing will help determine when the Do Not Use order can be lifted.
Garden vegetables, fruit, eggs, and dairy milk that were contacted by the fuel vapor are SAFE to consume as long as they do not smell like fuel or have a fuel sheen. Interior Health is advising residents to thoroughly wash fruit and vegetables with alternate water sources to remove any dirt and debris prior to consumption. Food products that have been irrigated with contaminated water AND smell like fuel should be discarded.
Residents with questions or concerns regarding drinking water and food safety should contact IH Health Protection at 250-420-2220 for more information. Anyone with specific health questions or concerns should contact their family physician.
Interior Health has had reports that there are people representing themselves as IH staff who are offering water and air quality testing. Please be advised that Interior Health is only responding to inquiries for on-site assessments and is not proactively calling anyone. Residents should exercise caution if approached.
All IH staff will have photo ID and will identify themselves and provide business cards.
If in doubt, please call the information line at 250-420-2220 and confirm that they are an employee of Interior Health.
IH will provide updates related to health impacts as new information is available.
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