Thursday, March 28, 2024

Deliberate sewage dumping contaminated Gorge Creek and led to swim fest’s cancellation

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The Township of Esquimalt announced yesterday that Gorge Creek’s recent contamination was apparently caused by deliberate dumping.

Septic tank sewage and a disinfecting chemical appeared to have been dumped into a stormwater drain south of Esquimalt Gorge Park.

Lab results from the creek confirmed the presence of fecal coliform and e-coli. Both bacteria originate in intestines.

Other evidence also suggests the presence of a disinfecting chemical.

Due to the lack of physical indicators of a sewage spill, officials previously assumed that the odour around the creek was caused by an algae bloom.

However, the disinfecting chemical likely killed algae in the creek.

According to the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), there is no risk to human health on Gorge Waterway beaches. But the public and their pets should avoid entering Gorge Creek until further notice.

Sewage’s Exact Origin Not Yet Known

Municipal staff traced the dumping upstream to the vicinity of Craigflower Road but have not pinpointed where the material was introduced.

The Township, working with VIHA, the Capital Regional District, and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy will continue its investigation.

Creek water samples will be taken on a regular basis for the next week. VIHA has recommended intensifying beach sampling in the area as a precaution.

Five containment booms remain in place at the creek. Based on current information, it does not appear that any wildlife was affected by the dumping.

Reminder to Residents

The Township is reminding residents that materials dumped into the sanitary or storm water collection systems will eventually find their way to water bodies and these materials will have a negative impact on the water, shoreline and marine wildlife in the area.

Please dispose of these materials in a responsible manner.

If residents in the Esquimalt Gorge Park area notice anyone putting a liquid into a manhole or catch basin, they are urged to call the Engineering and Public Works Department at 250-414-7108.

Township staff will continue to review any leads they receive in the hope of finding the responsible party.

Gorge Creek Contamination Timeline

Saturday, July 29
Township staff is made aware of foul odour, discolouration, and a reported potential spill into Gorge Creek. Booms are deployed in the creek to help contain the substance. The site investigation begins. Emergency Management BC is contacted.

Sunday, July 30
Township crews continue with the investigation and collect water samples. Township contacts VIHA. An investigation of municipal infrastructure is conducted. No problems or irregularities are detected.

Monday, July 31
An information update is issued to regional media. Crews noted no discolouration around the foot bridge. Some cloudy water was observed upstream.  Dead algae was observed further up the creek towards Craigflower Road.

Tuesday, August 1
Investigation and monitoring of creek continues.

Wednesday, August 2
Lab results are analyzed by VIHA, the CRD, the Ministry of Environment and Township staff. Information update is issued to regional media. Additional testing to be carried out by VIHA and the Township.

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Alistair Ogden
Former staff writer at Victoria Buzz.

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