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Public advised to avoid water near Canoe Forest Products

It is estimated that several thousands of litres of run-off water containing some glue and fuel products was washed into the lake.
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A view of Shuswap Lake with Canoe Forest Products in the background. A spill from the forest company's site dumped thousands of litres of fuel and glue into the lake on Monday

A spill into Shuswap Lake, north-east of Canoe, near the shoreline of Canoe Forest Products on March 14 is under investigation by the Ministry of Environment and Interior Health.

It is estimated that several thousands of litres of run-off water containing some glue and fuel products was washed into the lake.

As a precaution, the City of Salmon Arm has stopped use of their Shuswap Lake water intake and is using an alternate water intake source.

Interior Health says the municipal water supply is safe to use.

At this time, Interior Health is advising the public to avoid recreational use from 300 metres off the log booms at this portion of the lake, until it can be confirmed there is no risk to public health.

This includes boating, fishing and swimming.

Residents who have private water sources that draw from the lake in the affected area are advised to avoid use of the water.

Interior Health will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the health and safety of residents in the affected area.