Lake Wabamun test results expected soon
People living near Lake Wabamun could find out this weekend when they'll be able to use the lake again.
Health advisories have been in effect on the lake since August when 43 cars of a CN train derailed, spilling more than 1.3 million litres of heavy bunker fuel oil and wood preservative. An estimated 730,000 litres ended up in the lake, about 50 kilometres west of Edmonton.
- FROM AUG. 5, 2005: Wabamun residents blocking track over oil spill
 Lake Wabamun residents should know soon when they can use the lake again. (CBC) |
Residents of the east side of the lake are still being cautioned not to use lake water for showering or washing dishes. Boating restrictions are also in effect and swimming is not recommended east of the beaches at Fallis Point
Dr. Gerry Predy, medical officer for Capital Health, says while early test results have been positive, more analysis needs to be done.
"The bunker oil that was spilled into the lake has now formed tar balls mixed with the sediment, so the decision is really going to hinge on what's happening with the tar balls – how many there are and what their composition is."
- FROM APRIL 17, 2006: Spring thaw brings poisonous reminder of toxic spill on Alberta lake
Predy will brief residents with the latest information this weekend.
"If we can make a decision on that date, that's what we're aiming for," Predy said. "But at this point, I can't say for sure that will be the date, but we'll certainly … try to answer as definitively as possible the questions they have about the use of the lake for the rest of the summer."
However, if the restrictions remain in place, residents may turn down a $7.5-million compensation offer from CN Rail.
- FROM MAY 8, 2006: CN offers $7.5M for oil-spill contamination
Doug Goss, spokesman for Wabamun's residents and cottagers, doubts people will accept the offer if they can't use the lake.
"If it's safe to go back in then obviously we'd like nothing better than to do that," Goss said. "But if it's not, then clearly we wouldn't be recommending any resident accept CN's offer of compensation for loss of use of the lake."
Property owners have until the end of June to decide whether to accept CN's offer.
CN says it will continue its cleanup effort lake until it gets the all clear from health officials.