Photo from PRRD website, courtesy of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
A statement on behalf of the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Strategy (ENV) in collaboration with the Peace River Regional District was issued on May 29, regarding an oil spill within the area of Fish Creek and 269 Road.
The spill of mixed oil/petroleum was reported on Sunday May 19, to the Charlie Lake Fire department (CLFD), however the source of the spill is still unknown while B.C. Conservation Officer Service leads the ongoing investigation.
A spill response contractor and provincial environmental staff have worked on the site daily to manage the spill and mitigate further damage. The substance was identified and 48 cubic meters of oil and contaminated water was removed on May 24.
On May 24, the transition to long-term monitoring and recovery from an emergency spill response took place after a coordination call involving local authorities, indigenous stakeholders, health authorities and Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
According to the release, 100% recovery of the oil is not possible, and signs of an oil spill are expected for at least a year, impacted residents are reminded they should stay way, while keeping domestic animals and livestock away.
Sampling is taking place daily, however the rate at which samples are collected and analyzed is expected to decrease as the contamination also decreases.
Three sets of collection booms remain in place along Fish Creek between 269 Road and 116 St, and will remain so long as recoverable oil is being collected, while ministry staff and contractors routinely monitor the area.
These booms allow floating oil to be collected, with sorbent materials present to absorb the oil that accumulates there.
While the recovery effort is ongoing, the booms should not be moved, adjusted, or tampered with as they are set up in specific places that are ideal for collection.
According to the release, it is expected and normal to see some rainbow sheen on the water while it is also expected for small amounts of dark oil to build up in the booms that remain.
While the largest impacted area from the spill has a black ring around the edges with stained grasses and shoreline, it would cause more harm to the environment than good to try and remove it.
Our readers are reminded to avoid this area of impact and ongoing work.
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