Extreme winter weather has caused damage to a sewage treatment plant on Salt Spring Island, leading to spillage into Ganges Harbour.
According to the CRD, a mechanical failure in the above ground piping water system at the Ganges Wastewater Treatment Plant occurred due to cold temperatures over the weekend.
Although most of the spill was contained on site, some sewage did manage to run overland and enter a storm water system.
This system leads from the facility to Ganges Creek and out to Ganges Harbour.
According to the CRD, crews have already completed clean-up efforts, placed warning signs and cordoned off the affected areas. This includes a section of the path located immediately north of the facility, adjacent to Ganges Creek.
The affected areas will be posted with public health advisory signs until environmental sample results are tested.
Residents are asked to avoid the affected areas where the spill occurred as well as the waters along the affected shorelines.
Wastewater may pose a health risk.
