COURTENAY, B.C- The province isn’t taking any further steps after a paint spill in Courtenay this week.
According to a statement released by Courtenay’s municipal government, the undisclosed company spilled an unknown amount of latex-based paint at the intersection of Cumberland Road and Burgess Road on Tuesday afternoon, and were in the process of washing the paint into storm drains when the city’s public works service arrived on site.
“Upon arrival, City staff confronted the Contractor and told them to immediately cease the washing of the paint from the roadway, as the storm drain flows into an adjacent creek system,” read the statement.
“The City has filed a report to the Province of BC identifying the spill and is taking every available action to mitigate the spill fallout due to the inaction of the negligent Contractor.”
The statement concluded by stating the city will continue to work with the province’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Sustainability, in order to “secure and safeguard” sensitive waterways.
According to the province’s environment ministry, five gallons of latex paint were spilled onto the roadway on Tuesday.
“We understand city workers, who attended the incident, provided direction and supplies (absorbent pads and brooms) to the responsible party,” read a statement from the ministry.
“Based on the action taken by the spiller, and assistance provided by the City of Courtenay, the Ministry is satisfied with the response and no further action is necessary at this point.”
The ministry also indicated that knowingly or willingly spilling something into the environment is illegal.
“Any spill should be reported and most are by responsible parties,” read the statement.
