The City of Vernon is reviewing its procedures after sewer line breaks forced the closure of local beaches twice in the past month.
An administration update that will be presented to council Monday, Aug. 12, highlights a sewer line break that occurred in the Okanagan Landing area on July 6. The break was adjacent to bodies of water with the potential of entering them, according to the update.
The break forced a swimming advisory to be put in place for beaches on Okanagan Lake from Kin Beach to Paddlewheel Park. The advisory was rescinded July 9 following repairs to the sewer line and testing of the water.
"Administration is currently reviewing existing work procedures relating to spill response, reporting and public notification and will continue to improve our readiness for possible future events," the report states.
Another sewer line break occurred in the same area on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Okanagan Lake from Kin Beach to Paddlewheel Park was again closed with swimming not recommended due to potential exposure to high bacterial counts. The swimming advisory was rescinded Friday, Aug. 9.
