The flow of an unknown substance into Gorge Creek has tapered off, suggesting that it likely came from something being dumped into the system, rather than a leaky tank, says Esquimalt’s head of public works.
Testing is underway but it is still not known what the substance is, other than some sort of petrochemical, said Jeff Miller, Esquimalt’s director of engineering and public works.
Esquimalt workers noticed the spill, near the foot of Sioux Place and Kinsmen Gorge Park, on Monday morning.
The substance came from the east side of Tillicum Road, Miller said.
“We’re still trying to narrow it down, but, of course, that’s getting harder to do with [the] rain and such because that’s removing a lot of the indicators that we would use, either through sight or smell.”
Absorbent tiles and booms will be used for up to 2 1/2 weeks to make sure everything is cleaned up, Miller said.
Public works crews have been at the site two or three times a day, but that will go down as more and more of the substance is dealt with, he said.
The spill hasn’t reached the main part of the Gorge Water, Miller said, and wildlife does not seem to have been affected.
“We’re keeping an eye on the birds, but we haven’t seen any acting like they’ve been oiled,” he said.
Efforts are being made to get an idea of the amount of the substance that went into the water.
“It’s kind of difficult to tell because of the ability of petrochemicals to spread over water,” Miller said.
He said people are interested in what is happening with the spill and concerned about spawning salmon and a nearby artificial reef for Olympia oysters.
“There’s a definitely a passion with our residents about the protection of the Gorge and we appreciate that,” Miller said. “We are doing what we think is the industry standard, and we’re definitely trying to protect the Gorge.”
In May 2014, a mix of motor oil and engine-cleaning fluid in the creek made its way to the Gorge.
