The Regional District of Central Kootenay has reduced the Evacuation Order geographic area following a jet fuel spill in Lemon Creek July 26.
Residents living farther than 800 metres from water courses are no longer under order. However, Highway 6 remains closed between Highway 31 and Highway 3. For now, those evacuated are asked to remain in place until Highway 6 is reopened.
The north and south evacuation order boundaries remain unchanged.
A Do Not Use Water Order also remains in place for water users within the evacuation order area and within three kilometres of water courses.
Residents can contact the Emergency Operations Centre for specifics on evacuation procedures at 1-800-268-7325.
A Ministry of Environment official who spoke with the Castlegar News Saturday morning said that so far, no impacts to fish and wildlife have been reported after the tanker, carrying approximately 35,000 litres of Jet A-1 fuel to a helicopter re-fueling site, overturned in Lemon Creek yesterday.
It has been determined that almost all of the tanker load was released into Lemon Creek
Jet A-1 fuel, according to a material Safety Data Sheet at the Petro-Canada website, is a clear, combustible liquid with a flash point between 37.8°C (100°F) and 93.3°C (200°F) and is very toxic. Exposure should be avoided as it may cause eye and skin irritation and contains material that may cause birth defects.
Inhalation of Jet A-1 fuel can cause respiratory tract irritation and Central nervous System Depression which may include weakness, dizziness, slurred speech, drowsiness, unconsciousness and in cases of sever overexposure, coma and death.
Some MOE staff are on scene supporting the responsible party by providing air monitoring and technical advice regarding containment and collection of the fuel. Other ministry staff are en route.
Updated information, including maps of the evacuation area, is also available at the RDCK website: www.rdck.bc.ca