Residents getting water from Trepanier Creek can breathe sigh of relief

PEACHLAND – Peachland’s water supply is protected and safe, despite damage to surrounding infrastructure caused by flood damage this week, local government officials say.

MacDonald Creek overflowed on the Brenda Mine site on Wednesday, May 24, and damage was done to roads at the mine as well as a pipeline that transports untreated runoff water from a retention pond to the mine’s water treatment plant, according to a media release.

MacDonald Creek flows into Trepanier Creek is the main source of drinking water for approximately 1,500 Peachland  residents, private water licensees and eight properties on the Regional District’s Star Place water system.

Glencore, the mine's owner, along with Ministries of Environment, Energy and Mines, as well as Interior Health, responded to the overflow, putting temporary measures in place so untreated water did not leave the site. Permanent repairs are still to be made.

“When it comes to public health and the safety of our residents, it’s paramount that our sources of drinking water are protected,” Peachland Mayor Cindy Fortin says in the release.

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