Transport Canada is working with the Town of Sidney to remediate the heavily contaminated Reay Creek Pond.
Contamination was noticed during a 2015 inspection and findings indicated high levels of metals including cadmium, zinc, chromium and lead.
In the wake of the report, Transport Canada gave the pond a Class 1 contamination site rating.
It is believed that decades of heavy industrial activity at Victoria Airport contributed to the pond’s pollution.
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Shortly after receiving the report, the Town created the Technical Working Group which brought together a clutch of interested parties, such as Victoria Airport Authority, District of North Saanich, Capital Regional District and BC Ministry of Environment.
The pond, which was created in the 1950s, is now designated “High Priority for Action” on Transport Canada’s contaminated sites list, a prerequisite for the organization to provide funding for cleanup.
Environmental assessments are being conducted and a final strategy is being developed with stakeholders.
The Town of Sidney will collaborate on the project and has pledged to inform the public with regular updates.
Remediation work is likely to last through 2018 and into 2019.
nick.murray@peninsulanewsreview.com
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