Water tanks installed in the Slocan Valley to provide potable water to residents affected by last week’s jet fuel spill have been damaged.
Nelson RCMP is investigating two reports of damage to the tanks in place at the Crescent Valley Firehall.
“The first incident occurred overnight when a vehicle was used to overturn the 1000-gallon tank, resulting in the spigot being knocked off and the water being emptied,” said a release issued by RCMP.
Tire tracks suggest the vehicle was a pick-up truck.
The tank was replaced and filled Wednesday morning.
“The driver then continued up the valley and completed filling the remaining tanks. Upon his return trip at 2:00 pm he noted the tank had once again been knocked over,” RCMP reported.
Residents relying on the water have expressed outrage at such a senseless act of vandalism questioning why someone would do such a thing.
“This water is a life line for some people,” said one woman on a Facebook page set up in response to the spill.
The RCMP are asking anyone with information as to who is responsible to contact them or Crime Stoppers.