Interior Health cautions public after fuel spill next to the Balfour Ferry terminal
By Nelson Daily Staff
Interior Health is urging recreational users to avoid the area near the Balfour Ferry Terminal following a recent fuel spill into the west arm of Kootenay Lake.
Interior Health made the announcement in a media release Saturday afternoon.
"Interior Health (IH) is cautioning people to avoid recreational use of Kootenay Lake along a 400 metre stretch of shoreline next to the Balfour Ferry terminal," the release said.
"The Ministry of Environment (MoE) reports that about 400 litres of gear oil has leaked into the lake, which has created a sheen on the surface of the water."
The Balfour Ferry Terminial is located approximately 33 kilometers north of Nelson on Highway 3A.
IH said it has consulted with the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and MoE, and there do not appear to be drinking water intakes in this area.
However, IH recognizes that people may choose to visit the area over the long weekend which is the reason for the release.
Interior Health said the impacted area is about a 400 metre stretch of shoreline along the west arm of Kootenay Lake.
"The oil can be seen to the immediate east and west of the Balfour Ferry terminal," the release said.
"People should avoid swimming in the area, and should prevent their pets from swimming there as well. There is no risk to people who choose to visit the beach as long as they don’t enter the water.
Interior Health will remain in contact with the Ministry of Environment and the Regional District of Central Kootenay as containment and cleanup proceeds.