All advisories around Comox Harbour following a sewage leak in the spring have been lifted.
The Comox Valley Regional District has lifted the remaining water-quality advisory for the Comox Harbour foreshore following a sewer leak from the Comox Pump Station on May 26.
“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,” said a statement from the CVRD. “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.”
The CVRD also said sediment sampling and testing conducted in June and July showed the sediment poses no residual risk to recreational activities.
“Recent sampling results provide the information needed to lift the remaining foreshore advisory,” said 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.”
The leak in May prompted the CVRD to issue a no-flush order for the community until the issue was fixed.
BACKGROUND: Sewer leak fixed, Comox Valley may resume flushing : My Comox Valley Now
A subsequent advisory was implemented for the harbour, limiting swimming and other marine activities because of contamination concerns following the leak.
