The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (MOE) has provided an update on the hydrocarbon spill that occurred in the area of 405 Street in the community of Rolla, on May 6.
As of May 12, 1730hrs:
- An Environmental Emergency Response Officer (EERO) and Oakridge Environmental staff were on site May 12
- A vacuum truck and excavator were retained and remediation work was undertaken in critical ditches and culverts
- Work in the area disturbed some contaminated water, soil, and vegetation, causing a slight increase in hydrocarbon odour and sheen; however, the vacuum truck removed any impacted water and the odour dissipated after work was complete
- Water levels remain low and the hydrocarbon sheen and odour in the area of 405 St continues to decrease
- The source remains unknown
As of May 11, 1900hrs:
- An Environmental Emergency Response Officer (EERO) and Oakridge Environmental staff were on site today
- Sample results were received and analysed to help determine focus of remediation work
- A vacuum truck was retained and remediation work in the east ditch along 405 St has begun
- A chromatograph to confirm the spilled material has been requested
- Remediation and investigative work will continue tomorrow morning
- Water levels remain low and the hydrocarbon sheen and odour in the area of 405 St have dissipated further since the last site visit on May 9th
May 11, 1100hrs:
- Oakridge Environmental has received sample results; results indicate hydrocarbon levels above standards in some areas within the east 405 St ditch • An Environmental Emergency Response Officer (EERO), along with Oakridge Environmental, will be onsite today with the intent to start remediation efforts • Source of the spill remains unknown and will continue to be investigated as remediation efforts progress
May 10, 1000hrs:
- An Environmental Emergency Response Officer (EERO) was onsite on May 6th, 7th, and 9th to continue investigating the source and implement mitigative measures (boom socks, absorbent pads and underflow dam)
- The cause and source of the hydrocarbon spill remains unknown and is under investigation
- The site has stabilized; the hydrocarbon odour and water levels in the ditch have decreased significantly since the initial report and site visit on May 6th
- The Ministry has retained an environmental spill consultant, Oakridge Environmental, who have undertaken sampling of the ditch and surrounding area, and will be using the results to guide an appropriate remediation plan
- Although the site has stabilized, it is still recommended that citizens avoid the area of 405 St until response and mitigation efforts have concluded
The Peace River Regional District will continue to provide updates via its website, social media and North East BC Alerts platform as they become available from the MOE. The Regional District is continuing to remind residents to sign up for North East BC Alerts by visiting nebcalerts.com.
Updates can also be viewed at www.gov.bc.ca/spillsinfo.
