A Task Number has been assigned by provincial government so that debris coming off the Testalinda Gorge can be dealt with by heavy equipment on both sides of Highway 97 at the creek.

Dale Kronebusch RDOS Emergency Services Supervisor says he has briefed local Director Allan Patton on the danger, the needed action and the work going on.

No homes are at risk, one orchard began getting unneeded runoff this week and the excavator is building a dike on the south side of the creek. Kronebursch says unfortunately it is the wrong type of rock for the purpose as ‘rip rock’ should be installed.

RDOS staff and equipment have been working throughout the weekend. He says about 1500 cubic yards of wet gravel taken out of the creek on the west side of the culvert and is being trucked away.

Below a settling pond near the river where sediment is meant to accumulate. If it builds up in a fast moving creek – the water can breech and flood adjacent land. It is quite apparent that the amount of gravel is not normal indicating the 2010 debris torrent has damaged the “toe” of the gorge and fast moving water is scoring the sides of the hill and bringing a lot sediment down the creek.