Water tanker damaged; additional tankers available
By Castlegar Source
Emergency Operations Centre spokesman Bill Macpherson says one of the water tankers brought to relieve the need in Slocan Valley has been damaged “in a suspicious manner”, but there are now additional tankers available to supply residents with potable water.
“Executive Flight Centre’s contractor has established two additional locations for residents to get water for everyday use,” Macpherson said in a press release this morning. “Water will be available at Kennedy Road in Lemon Creek and at the Passmore Fire Hall, in addition to fire halls in Crescent Valley and Winlaw.
“Yesterday, the tanker from New Denver was certified by Interior Health in Castlegar prior to proceeding to the Slocan Valley. Water for drinking and other everyday use (bathing, cooking, etc.) was available by 6 p.m. at the four stations. Residents are asked to bring containers for hauling and storing water.
“Overnight, the tank at Crescent Valley was damaged in a suspicious manner. It was knocked off its stand, the spigot broken and the tank itself cracked. The RCMP is investigating the incident.
“Area residents who get their water from surface sources continue to be under a Do Not Use Order issued by Interior Health since the spill of fuel into Lemon Creek and downstream from its confluence with the Slocan River. The order prohibits those affected from using the water for drinking and other everyday use, as well as irrigation. Swimming and recreating within the area under the order is prohibited for personal health safety reasons.
“The company is dealing with the water needs of larger commercial operations like farms, ranches and nurseries on an individual basis.”
