Lac Leamy deemed safe after mystery spill, NCC says
Beach remains closed for swimming Friday due to E. coli, not fuel spill
The National Capital Commission (NCC) says Lac Leamy is safe after a mysterious and unspecified hydrocarbon spill earlier this week, but high E. coli counts are keeping the beach closed for swimming Friday.
On Tuesday, the NCC closed the Gatineau, Que., beach for swimming and recommended against other uses while it investigated and contained what the province called a "hydrocarbon sheen" on the water. Hydrocarbons can include fuels such as gasoline, however motorized boats are prohibited on the section of Lac Leamy that includes the beach.
In a news release Thursday, the NCC said the substance has now been absorbed and investigators believe the spill was not dangerous to humans.
"Nothing observed on site allows the source of the product found on the surface of the water to be clearly identified," the commission said.
However, regular water quality testing has shown high E. coli levels, so swimming at Lac Leamy is still prohibited until further notice.