The Village of Sayward and the Strathcona Regional District have launched an investigation after a landslide in the Newcastle Creek watershed.

On October 23, at around 9:15 pm, a landslide occurred in Newcastle Creek, roughly 1 km outside the Village.

It was heard by residents in the Sayward Valley but did not impact public safety or private property.

Since then, Sayward Public Works has been closely monitoring the Water Treatment Plant, the Newcastle Creek water intake, and the water reservoir.

Heavy rainfall and shifting fine materials continue to cause periodic turbidity, requiring precautionary temporary WTP shutdowns to prevent sediment from entering the WTP system.

Due to turbidity issues with the water drawn from Newcastle Creek, they’ve activated an Emergency Operation Centre to determine the extent of the slide, and potential future impacts on the Water Treatment Plant.

Despite periodic turbidity, the WTP, water intake, and reservoir are operating well, and impacts to residents remain minimal.

Temporary shutdowns of the WTP may still be needed if turbidity rises, but staff will resume operations as soon as conditions allow.

Funding from the Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness allowed the Campbell River Search and Rescue Drone Team to record the landslide area.

• Bottom of slide (downstream)
• Downstream toward slide then upslope

The EOC is now working on seeking additional funding for technical reports on options moving forward to protect Sayward’s long-term drinking water supply.

For more information, visit Strathcona Regional District.