Esquimalt officials says there is no evidence of a sewage break that may be affecting the Gorge Waterway -- but monitoring and testing is underway after a sewage-like smell became noticeable.
Esquimalt's Engineering and Public Works Department deployed 5 booms to help contain whatever the substance might be after being notified of a substance possibly being introduced into the Gorge Waterway at Gorge Creek -- which flows through the western boundary of Esquimalt Gorge Park.
So far the collection system shows no signs of failures or leaks. Water samples are being analyzed to determine what the contamination is. Samples are also being tested for fecal coliform counts. Testing should be complete later this week. However a visual inspection suggests it may be an algae bloom.
Esquimalt is working with Island Health, the Capital Regional District, and Spill BC to get to the bottom of things. Until they have answers the public is asked to refrain from swimming in the area, and to keep their dogs out of the water.
The Township is also reminding residents that materials dumped into the sanitary or storm water collection systems will eventually find their way to water bodies and will have a negative impact on the water, shoreline and marine wildlife in the area.
Once the substance has been identified the Township will develop a remediation plan.