Husky oil spill: Report says recent water tests coming back within guidelines

A report released by Husky Energy says recent water samples of the North Saskatchewan River are coming back within drinking water guidelines.

So far, more than 900 water samples have been analyzed for contamination. Of those, only five samples, all taken within 20 kilometres of the spill, exceeded national drinking water guidelines.

Two weeks ago, a Husky Energy pipeline spilled more than 200,000 litres of oil and diluent into the river near Maidstone, Sask. Ever since, workers have been trying to contain and remove as much of the spill as possible.

The study says the last sample to exceed national guidelines was taken Sunday, July 24, more than a week and a half ago. The report also mentions water around intakes at North Battleford and Prince Albert have come back clean.

Water sampling is still ongoing, and recommendations about the risk of oil affecting river water intakes will come after a formal assessment is finished.

The Water Security Agency has started an independent sampling program and will be doing more in the coming days.

All of the sampling data was taken by third party consultants. The technical group reviewing the study is made up of experts from Saskatchewan's Ministry of the Environment, the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, Health Canada, Husky Energy and other groups

Where is the oil?

The study says the spilled oil has mainly been found on the shoreline of the river, in the river water and in river sediment, mainly within 20 kilometres downstream of the spill.

However, oil sheen and foam was also seen further downstream of the river. As a result, water is being tested downstream to determine how far the oil has spread