Major Vancouver beaches reopen following oil spill
Vancouver Coastal Health and the City of Vancouver have lifted health advisories in effect since the April 8 oil spill for most Vancouver beaches including English Bay, Sunset Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach.
Beaches at Crab and New Brighton Parks and beaches in West Vancouver remain closed. Health advisories there remain in effect until further visual inspections and test sample results, officials said.
The City of Vancouver said in a statement that results from the lab analysis of water and beach samples show no harmful levels of oil. However, beach-goers are cautioned to remain vigilant and avoid contact with any small amounts of remaining oil.
Agencies involved in dealing with the oil spill continue to conduct inspections on 16 affected beaches. Health officials warn particles of oil could continue to appear in intertidal zones over the coming weeks.
They say the particles will dissipate through ongoing tidal cycles that are part of natural ecosystem recovery. In the meanwhile, people are being asked to avoid and report any tar they encounter.
