Calgary Fire Department Investigates Unknown Substance on Bow River

At approximately 6:20 a.m. this morning, the Calgary Fire Department was called to the Bow River near Harvie Passage to investigate an unknown substance in the Bow river and the Western Irrigation Canal.

Hazardous Material, Aquatic teams and Fire crews are on site, along with other City business units and provincial agencies. The exact nature and cause of the substance is still being determined, however early analysis indicates it is a type of oil. Cleanup is underway with booms in place at the outflow of the Western Irrigation Canal. The substance has been contained to an eddy of the Bow River with some release down the Western Irrigation Canal.

Calgary Fire will continue to investigate and work with its partners to identify and resolve the issue, and ensure minimal impact to the environment.

There is no immediate public hazard however it is asked that the public avoid the area to allow crews and other agencies to continue to investigate and contain this release. The City’s Bow River boating advisory issued June 1^st 2017 is still in effect and members of the public are strongly advised not to enter or float the river due to seasonally high flow rates.

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