The solvent that was dumped in the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton has been identified as naphtha. It is reported that naphtha evaporates within hours and the concentration that was spilled in the river does not pose a risk to human health, wildlife or the environment. The North Saskatchewan River is the source of Edmonton's drinking water. Epcor, Edmonton's water and power utility, has increased its water testing, but said the city's water is safe to drink.
It appears the solvent was poured into Edmonton's water system, with the amount suggesting it came from an industrial, not residential, source. It's origin was traced to a sewage outflow near the Quesnell Bridge in the city's west end. It has been mostly contained to the Rossdale area of the river.
04-Jul-08 
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