Reposted news release from the Comox Valley Regional District:
The Comox Valley Regional District has lifted the remaining water quality advisory for the Comox Harbour foreshore following the May 26 sewer leak from the Comox Pump Station.
Recent water samples collected within the foreshore area on August 24 tested for Enterococcus bacteria at levels ranging from less than 1.0 to 9.0 CFU/100 mL — well below Island Health’s guidance for swimming and other marine recreational activities. Island Health advises that water is suitable for these activities when the average Enterococcus result is below 35 CFU/100 mL, and no individual test result exceeds 70 CFU/100 mL. Sediment sampling and testing throughout June and July showed that the sediment poses no residual risk to recreational activities.
“Recent sampling results provide the information needed to lift the remaining foreshore advisory,” says Charlie Gore, Senior Manager of Capital Project Delivery. “We thank residents, K’ómoks First Nation, harbour users, local businesses, and partner agencies for their patience and cooperation throughout the response and recovery.”
With the advisory lifted, all marine recreational activities may now safely resume in the previously affected foreshore area.
Information about the May 26 incident, including previously published testing results, is available at comoxvalleyrd.ca/sewageleak.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media contact:
Charlie Gore
Senior Manager of Capital Projects Delivery
Comox Valley Regional District
250-334-6092