The Comox Valley Regional District said repairs have been completed to stop a sewer leak near the Comox Marina.
The leak was discovered Tuesday around 9:30 a.m. and prompted the CVRD to ask residents to avoid flushing toilets and limit non-essential water use. Residents were also advised to stay clear of Goose Spit.
In an update issued around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the CVRD said residents could resume using toilets, dishwashers, laundry machines and other household water-related services.
“The support and cooperation of our community made a big difference to sewage flows and helped us to resolve this situation faster,” said general manager of engineering services Kris La Rose. “We are now concentrating efforts on spill response, coordinating with applicable governments and agencies to monitor and manage the situation.”
The CVRD said it is working closely with K’ómoks First Nation, municipal partners and provincial and federal governments to ensure spill response efforts follow best practices and respect the cultural significance of the area.
Residents are still being asked to avoid swimming, boating and other water-related activities in Comox Harbour and inside Goose Spit until further notice.
People near the Comox Marina and Goose Spit may hear loud noises overnight Tuesday as environmental cleanup efforts continue.
The incident prompted several regional and municipal facilities to close Tuesday afternoon. The CVRD said its recreational facilities will reopen Wednesday.
The City of Courtenay said most of its facilities reopened later Tuesday or will reopen Wednesday.
The incident had no impact on local drinking water supply.
