Bowker Creek in Oak Bay is showing significant recovery following a diesel spill in early July. Amica Jubilee House, responsible for the leak, reports that recent water tests indicate major improvements.
“The one-month surface-water samples collected in the creek showed great improvement in water chemistry compared to results after the spill,” a spokesperson said.
The incident occurred when diesel from a rooftop generator flowed into the urban waterway. Amica quickly took responsibility and brought in Thurber Engineering, Nucor Environmental Services, and 30 Forensic Engineering to lead the cleanup and remediation process.
Initially, the District of Oak Bay and the City of Victoria managed the containment. They replaced booms and sorbent pads to prevent diesel from reaching the ocean. Amica has continued cleanup using “passive recovery” methods. Sorbent materials are placed in the creek, absorb the diesel, and are removed and disposed of at a waste facility.
Because diesel is contained within these materials, Amica cannot provide exact measurements of how much fuel has been extracted from the creek.
Sediment tests also show positive results. “Sediment sample results collected at the end of August did not show any impacts to the sediment in the creek, which is excellent news,” the spokesperson said.
Amica has not provided a timeline for completing the cleanup. The goal is to reduce contaminant levels in surface water below provincial standards. Once these levels are met, remediation will be considered complete.
Ian Graeme, co-chair of the Friends of Bowker Creek Society, which focuses on restoring the waterway, described the spill as “the most serious incident in at least the past 25 years.” However, he notes that the creek has visibly improved over the past six weeks.
“Schools of three-spined stickleback, dragonflies hunting for insects, and river otters have returned to affected areas,” Graeme said. “These are encouraging signs.”
Despite progress, some oil sheen and diesel odors remain in parts of the creek. Graeme explained that natural microbes should eventually break down diesel where oxygen is sufficient. Diesel that has penetrated sediments or adhered to fine particles may take longer to degrade.
The Friends of Bowker Creek Society hopes the remaining contamination will diminish before chum salmon, nurtured by the group, return to the creek this fall.
“Healthy communities deserve clean water. Everyone—individuals, businesses, governments, and community groups—has a responsibility to protect it,” Graeme said. “The incident is also an opportunity to update spill response plans and communication protocols.”
The group will conduct its annual invertebrate sampling next month.
Amica says roof materials affected by the leak have been removed and replaced. An engineering company is investigating the generator failure in detail.
“We hope to have results by mid-September. Based on the findings, we will implement measures to prevent future leaks,” the spokesperson said.
