Update: Water and Beach Contamination in Payette Lake

McCall, June 6, 2023

An update regarding the presence of a petroleum product recently discovered in Payette Lake. Please take note of the following:

1. Sample results are in: The RBCA (Risk-Based Corrective Action) results showed no detectable levels (ND) of surrogates in everything except the Vertech Storm Drain. This usually indicates that the levels are below the measurement range.  

2. Final clean-up costs are still unknown.

3. EPA will produce a final report. 

4. Fuel type still unknown.

Update: Water and Beach Contamination in Payette Lake

McCall, June 4, 2023

An update regarding the presence of a petroleum product recently discovered in Payette Lake. Please take note of the following:

1. Art Robert's Park is now open after following EPA Clean-up process.

2. A complete clean-up report is expected this week. 

3. Teams are testing what was pulled from the storm drain and are disposing of it per EPA and agency regulations. 

Update: Water and Beach Contamination in Payette Lake

McCall, June 2, 2023

An update regarding the presence of a petroleum product recently discovered in Payette Lake. Please take note of the following:

1. EPA wrapped into the project onsite. 

2. Closures: All beach access is now open, with the exception of Art Robert still closed for incident cleanup. Art Roberts is closed to beach access. Bathrooms remain open. 

3. Contract approved today at 2:05 pm - AB 23-125 Request to Ratify the Approval of the Contract with Olympus Technical Services for the fuel cleanup in Payette Lake and affected areas.  

4. Olympus Technical Services is on-site now proceeding with clean-up.

Update: Water and Beach Contamination in Payette Lake

McCall, May 31, 2023

An update regarding the presence of a petroleum product recently discovered in Payette Lake. Please take note of the following:

1. DEQ Visit: The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be on-site today to provide their expertise and guidance on managing the situation effectively.

2. Locations Affected: The substance has been detected at Art Roberts, Legacy Park, and the water entrance to Brown Park.

3. Shoreline Closure: As a precaution for health and safety, beaches and water access points at Art Roberts, Legacy Park, and Brown Park will be closed until further notice.

4. Containment Measures: Additional booms have been strategically placed by the McCall Fire Department to contain the affected area.

5. Water Supply: We are currently using the Davis Beach intake facility for water supply while awaiting testing at the Legacy Pump station. Rest assured; the water remains safe for consumption.

6. Source: The source of the substance is still unknown at this time. We have followed all Public Works protocols and conducted investigations of structures related to the stormwater discharge point. No present leaks have been found, indicating this to be an isolated event.

7. Quantity:  We are told by the Fire Department that it looks less than 10 gallons although it is difficult to tell.

We kindly urge all community members to join us in conserving water wherever possible. By reducing unnecessary water usage, promptly fixing leaks, and adopting water-saving practices, we can significantly contribute to conservation efforts and ensure the sustainability of our water supply.

The City of McCall is taking all necessary precautions to maintain the highest standards of water quality and public health throughout this process. Our priority is to ensure the ongoing supply of clean water and safe recreational water opportunities for our residents and visitors, addressing this issue promptly.

For further information and regular updates, please visit mccall.id.us or contact Erin Greaves at 208-634-8966 or via email at egreaves@mccall.id.us.

City of McCall Urges Water Conservation in Response to a Petroleum Product Discovered in Payette Lake

McCall, May 29, 2023 – The City of McCall was made aware of the presence of petroleum in Payette Lake, originating from an unidentified source. The City of McCall is following water safety protocols and is actively working to address the issue and ensure the ongoing supply of clean water to its residents. While water is safe to drink, we are calling upon the local and visiting community for their support and cooperation in conserving water during this time.

Upon receiving notification of the discovered substance, the lead agency in the incident, McCall Fire, in cooperation with our Public Works Streets team, began pumping the drains to contain as much as possible. Then, our McCall Water Systems team swiftly initiated testing procedures to assess the extent of the impact on water quality. Collaborating agencies are working diligently to identify the source and take appropriate measures to prevent further pollution.

In light of this incident, we anticipate engagement from notified agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), later this week. Their expert insights and guidance will aid us in effectively managing the situation and implementing measures to safeguard the water resources in our community.

The City of McCall acknowledges the vital role that water plays in the daily lives of our residents and the overall well-being of our community. Therefore, we kindly request the support and assistance of all community members in conserving water wherever possible. By taking small but impactful steps such as reducing unnecessary water usage, fixing leaks promptly, and adopting water-saving practices, we can collectively contribute to the conservation efforts and ensure the sustainability of our water supply.

The health and safety of our residents remain our top priority. While the City of McCall diligently addresses this issue, we reassure our community that all necessary precautions are being taken to maintain the highest standards of water quality and public health.

For further information and updates, please visit mccall.id.us or contact Erin Greaves at 208-634-8966 or via email at egreaves@mccall.id.us.

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