All do-not-use water restrictions on the Kootenay River have been removed.
This means that the water drawn from the Kootenay River, above and below Brilliant Dam may be consumed and it is now safe for recreational purposes from a health perspective, said Interior Health communications officer Tracy Watson.
“However, given the presence of containment booms on these waters, recreational users are advised to avoid these areas,” she said in a release issued Tuesday afternoon. “The wires and chains used to keep the booms secured are a safety hazard.”
The do-not-use order for drinking water and recreational use remains in effect for Lemon Creek and Slocan River until further notice.
The orders were imposed July 26 following a spill of 33,000 litres of jet fuel into Lemon Creek, which flows into the Slocan and in turn into the Kootenay.
Professionals with knowledge about contaminated sites and biology, who have been contracted by Executive Flight Centre, continue to do testing of affected water. This testing will help determine when the remaining do not use order can be lifted.
At a public meeting in Winlaw a week ago, official estimated it would take up to 10 days.