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Water advisories lifted

Interior Health says tug boat sinking and tanker crash have not created a health risk to water users
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Interior Health lifts water advisories issued after the sinking of a tug on Shuswap Lake and a tanker truck crash near the Shuswap River. Both water advisories were issued based on initial concerns that diesel and/or gasoline may have created a health risk to water users. File Photo

Interior Health has lifted precautionary water quality advisories for the western arm of Shuswap Lake and for the Shuswap River downstream from east of Ashton Creek.

On Thursday, May 18, recovery crews raised the tug that sank May 15 near Cape Horn, northwest of the Cinnemousun Narrows on the main arm of Shuswap Lake.. Ministry of Environment has informed Interior Health that only a small amount of diesel fuel had leaked from the tug and that any diesel that had 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.

The advisory issued May 16 following the tanker truck collision near Shuswap River has also been is lifted.

The tanker truck crashed May 16 near 1435 Enderby Mabel Lake Rd., about six kilometres east of Ashton Creek. It was removed from the site Thursday, May 18.

Ministry of Environment and environmental consultants on scene informed Interior Health that no fuel has reached the river, and diesel and gasoline products 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.

Both water advisories were issued based on initial concerns that diesel and/or gasoline may have created a health risk to water users.