The Regional District of Central Kootenay has appointed Winlaw resident Nelle Maxey as recovery manager for the ongoing cleanup in the Slocan Valley after a jet fuel spill on Friday, July 26.
Terry Swan, Regional Fire Chief was reached by telephone Monday, Aug. 12 and said Maxey will be fielding questions from residents and either providing answers as she can or referring people to numbers where they can find answers.
"Also, part of her job will be to assess any unmet needs that are left over and to advise us [RDCK] so that we can address them," said Swan.
He added that Maxey was an alternate director for the RDCK for a number of years and part of the decision on his part to appoint her was based on the assumption that she had the trust and confidence of the residents in the area.
"I think that was the most important qualification for the position," said Swan.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay’s toll-free line is 1-800-268-7325 for those who wish to be put in touch with the lead agencies involved in the cleanup efforts.
The company involved in the spill of about 33,000 litres of jet fuel, Executive Flight Services, has set up a response website for more information at www.lemoncreekresponse.ca. They can also be reached at 1-855-399-1694 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.