Released on July 26, 2016
Saskatchewan officials are cautioning residents to limit recreational activities in the North Saskatchewan River, as a result of the spill from a Husky Energy pipeline near Maidstone.
People are advised not to consume fish caught in the river, and to avoid water activities that may result in river water being ingested.
Activities not recommended in the North Saskatchewan River are:
- Swimming
- tubing, wakeboarding or skiing
- other forms of recreation where people come in direct contact with the water
- allowing pets or livestock in the water
- eating fish from the river
“Our first priority is the health and safety of our residents,” Director of Environmental Health for the Ministry of Health Tim Macaulay said. “We believe it’s wise to take these precautionary steps until authorities have determined that the river water quality does not pose a risk to public safety.”
Activities that should not pose a risk to residents are boating and catch-and-release fishing.
Recommendations for safe recreational water use will be updated as more information is gathered about the effects of the oil spill on the quality of river water.
Additional information is available online, at www.facebook.com/SKGov.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Wayne Wark
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2770
Patrick Boyle
Water Security Agency
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8914