The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health are currently following up on reports of a diesel fuel spill into the Similkameen River from a motor vehicle accident. This is approximately eight kilometres east of East Gate, near Manning Park. The exact amount of fuel spilled is not yet known.

As a precaution, Interior Health is advising residents who draw water from the Similkameen River downstream of the spill site to be on the lookout for signs of fuel contamination.  Do Not Use the river water if it smells or tastes like fuel. This includes for irrigation or agricultural purposes. Diesel fuel can pose a health risk following ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption.

Residents who have private water sources that draw from the river, or from shallow wells near the river in the affected area are advised to avoid use of the water if they smell or taste fuel, or if they see a fuel sheen on the surface of the water.

Interior Health will continue to monitor the situation for any risks to the health and safety of residents in the area.

Update:

The Ministry of Environment says about 20,000 litres of diesel fuel from a transport truck has spilled into the Similkameen River south west of Princeton.

The truck was involved in a motor vehicle incident on Highway 3 about 8 a.m. Monday, and a ministry employee is at the site.

The ministry says the Lower and Upper Similkameen Indian Bands, Interior Health and Washington State officials have been notified of the spill.

Interior Health spokeswoman Tara Gostelow says no regulated water sources downstream from the spill have been affected though that may not be the case for users of private wells or unlicensed water.

Residents who draw from the river are asked to avoid use if they smell, see or taste diesel fuel in the water.

Interior Health says the warning also applies for irrigation or agricultural purposes because diesel fuel can pose a health risk if ingested, inhaled or absorbed in the skin