EFC issues second Lemon Creek update: Demand ID from 'IHA reps'
By Kyra Hoggan
Here is the latest information regarding the Lemon Creek fuel spill for August 1, 2013.
Breaking News- New Command Structure
This afternoon it was agreed to implement a new unified command structure that engages the Ministry of the Environment, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, the Interior Health Authority and Executive Flight Centre. This new structure means additional provincial resources can be dedicated to the crisis.
Breaking News – Shoreline Clean-up and Assessment Technique (SCAT)
Executive Flight Centre has now engaged Polaris Applied Sciences from Kirkland, Washington to conduct a Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Technique, or SCAT. Leading the SCAT team is Polaris Principal, Dr. Elliott Taylor, a world-renowned expert in spill clean-up operations. Dr. Taylor is available at www.polarisappliedsciences.com/about/key-personnel/elliott-taylo/. The assessment will provide additional information on the best ways to clean-up the waterways and where we should focus our attention.
Containment and Remediation
Quantum Murray is progressing with the clean-up efforts. The product is being skimmed off the water into a vacuum truck. Approximately 1,000 litres of contaminated material has been recovered. A collection boom has now been set up at the confluence of the lower Slocan and Kootenay Rivers. Quantum Murray again requests that for safety and health reasons people stay off the river and don’t collect samples. This can also delay the clean-up operation.
Water Quality Monitoring and Testing
SNC Lavalin specialists continue collecting water samples, sediment samples, and deceased fish and wildlife. No dead wildlife have been found over the past two days but responders are still finding dead fish in some channels.
Water quality test results are being sent to the Interior Health Region to assist in making a decision on when the DO NOT USE Water order can be lifted.
The order is causing hardship for many residents, but is in effect to protect your health. The Do Not Use order means do not use water from Lemon Creek or the Slocan River for drinking, washing, watering livestock and gardens and recreational use. We are working to have the order lifted as soon as possible however public health and safety remain our top concerns.
Odors
Responders equipped with gas monitors have been testing the air quality outside residences close to the spill site. The monitoring found no detectable levels of explosive gas however the smell of jet fuel is still apparent. If you have concerns about the smell and the impact it may have on your health, please contact the Interior Health Authority.
Well Water
Residents concerned about the safety and quality of their well water should contact the Interior Health Authority. Experts there will be able to provide direction and advice on what to do and answers questions on whether you well water needs testing.
Ask for Identification
Interior Health officials report that some residents have been contacted by individuals asking if they would like to have their water and air quality tested. THESE INDIVIDUALS DO NOT FOR WORK INTERIOR HEALTH. Interior Health is only responding to inquiries and not calling residents. All Interior Health Authority representatives will have proper photo identification.
The Public Eye
We want your help identifying locations in the creek and river where fuel is present. If you spot a site, identify the exact location and forward the information along with your name and contact to the Executive Flight Centre toll free number at 1-855-399-1694. The information will be forwarded to Quantum Murray which will dispatch a response clean-up crew to the site. This is particularly important for private landowners who may be required to grant access to the river from their property.
Potable Water Locations
Potable water is available at the fire halls in Crescent Valley, Winlaw, Passmore and on Kennedy Road in Lemon Creek. The tanks are being filled three times a day. Unfortunately for a second night in a row, vandals knocked down and damaged the storage tank in Crescent Valley. A replacement tank is now in place. RCMP are investigating the incident and anyone with information should contact their local detachment.
Losses and Claims
The cause and circumstance surrounding the incident are still under investigation by Transport Canada and by our safety team. While the investigation continues, anyone who may have questions about losses or claims must follow the procedure as set out by the insurance company. A new special claims number has been established. It is 1-800-880-8384.
Communications
Executive Flight Centre is committed to keeping you informed. Our dedicated website at www.lemoncreekresponse.ca is your source for information and the place to leave comments and questions. The Executive Flight Centre toll free information line is now in operation. The number is 1-855-399-1694 and will be staffed daily from 8:00am-4:00pm. Please leave us a message if you are calling outside those hours. We will return all phone calls and respond to all e-mails. As well, staff from EFC will be in the area to monitor progress and respond to concerns. We know how important it is to have someone to talk to.
Key Contacts:
Questions? Need more information? Here are the key contacts to call:
Executive Flight Centre: info@lemoncreekresponse.ca
Response website: www.lemoncreekresponse.ca
Toll free: 1-855-399-1694 (staffed 8:00am-4:00pm PDT)
Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK): 1-800-268-7325
Interior Health Authority- Health Protection: 250-420-2240
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure: 250-387-3198
Claims inquiries: 1-800-880-8384
Media Inquiries: Shael Gelfand 403-818-8849 sgelfand@peakco.com
Information updates will be posted on a regular basis. Thank-you.
