SCOTCH CREEK, B.C. – Interior Health has issued a precautionary advisory for residents in the Scotch Creek area of the North Shuswap following a significant diesel spill involving approximately 15,000 to 20,000 litres of fuel. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the Co-op Cardlock fueling station located on Squilax-Anglemont Road, reportedly during a fuel delivery operation.
The health authority is specifically warning more than 200 property owners who rely on private groundwater wells to remain vigilant. The affected area spans south of Butters Road, Saratoga Road, and Kenwood Gate, extending toward the eastern shores of Shuswap Lake. Environmental experts expressed concern because the spill occurred over a highly vulnerable sand-and-gravel aquifer, which allows contaminants to migrate into the groundwater more easily than in other soil types.
Residents are being instructed to immediately inspect their water for any distinct fuel odours or the presence of an oily, rainbow-colored sheen. Interior Health Director of Environmental Health, Ivor Norlin, emphasized that if any signs of contamination are detected, the water should not be used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or bathing. Officials noted that boiling the water is not a solution, as it can actually increase the concentration of contaminants and worsen the risk.
Cleanup efforts are currently underway, managed by a response contractor and an environmental consultant hired by the fuel transport company. While the Ministry of Environment and Parks continues to monitor the site, officials stated that it is currently difficult to predict how quickly the fuel might move through the ground. Interior Health will continue to map the spread and provide updates as monitoring results from the consultants become available over the coming days.
