Precautionary water quality advisories have been lifted for the western arm of Shuswap Lake and the Shuswap River downstream from east of Ashton Creek.
The Shuswap Lake advisory was first issued May 15th and is now lifted.
The Shuswap River advisory was first issued May 16th and is now lifted.
Interior Health issued the advisories based on concerns of diesel and/or gasoline that may have posed risks for water users as reported below:
Shuswap Lake – the advisory issued May 15 is lifted:
Thursday, recovery crews raised the tug that sank May 15th near Cape Horn (northwest of the Cinnemousun Narrows on the main arm of Shuswap Lake). The Ministry of Environment informed Interior Health that only a small amount of diesel fuel leaked from the tug boat. According to Interior Health, the Ministry of Environment said that any diesel that leaked was contained within protective booms installed at the site.
"Based on this assessment, Interior Health is confident that there is no longer a potential risk to water users in the area," said a spokesperson for Interior Health.
Shuswap River – the advisory issued May 16 is lifted:
The tanker truck that crashed on May 16th near 1435 Enderby Mabel Lake Road about six kilometres east of Ashton Creek was removed from the site on Thursday. According to Interior Health, the Ministry of Environment and environmental consultants said that no fuel has reached the river, and products (diesel and gasoline) that spilled have been captured and contained within the protective booms put in place following the accident.
"Based on this assessment, Interior Health is confident that there is no longer a potential risk to water users downstream," said a spokesperson for Interior Health.
