Unknown ‘oil’ substance spills (or dumped?) into Bow River and Western Irrigation Canal

Unknown ‘oil’ substance spills into Bow River and Western Irrigation Canal by Calgary Herald, June 16, 2017

Calgary firefighters worked to contain a mystery spill near Harvie Passage on Friday.

Crews responded to reports of an unknown substance in the Bow River and the Western Irrigation Canal and worked with Alberta Environment and the city’s water services department to contain what they described as an “oil-like residue.”

Officials say further analysis is pending to determine the nature and origin of the substance.

“Two booms have been installed on the Western Irrigation Canal to contain any further residue, along with a third, smaller boom on a storm water outflow on the Bow River,” the fire department said.

“Water Services will continue to monitor the site over the weekend and remove any additional residue as needed.”

Officials were first made aware of the substance at about 6:20 a.m. Friday.

While the fire department said there is no public hazard related to the residue, residents are being advised not to enter or float on the river due to seasonally high flow rates.

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