Emergency harvest bans for bivalve shellfish (clams and oysters) put in place following a sewage leak on May 26 have now been fully lifted after testing on water and shellfish in the area show results within acceptable levels.

The emergency closure was put into place for several locations as a precautionary measure while Environment Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency completed testing.

All sample results met standards outlined in the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program.

“This is another piece of good news as we continue to monitor and measure the impacts of this critical incident.” said Charlie Gore, Senior Manager of Capital Project Delivery.

“While we continue to assess the immediate spill area, we’re glad that in the harbour and beyond, people can return to their normal uses.”

The CVRD also shared that - following reports of toilet paper found on area beaches - environmental consultants completed an investigation and confirmed that it was dried, bleached seaweed and is unrelated to the sewage leak.

Testing completed since the sewage leak has generally returned good water quality results and the CVRD lifted a water advisory for the Comox Harbour and Estuary, outside of the immediate spill area, on June 3.

The advisory remains in place for the foreshore between Jane Place and the Comox Wharf as well as the water within the Comox Harbour Authority east marina.

The District says people should not interact with the foreshore or water in that area until further notice.

To follow along for updates, Comox Valley Regional District.