Barge helps pull flood debris

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Debris cleaup on Okanagan Lake continues.

As the level of Okanagan Lake slowly recedes to normal full pool levels, the removal of flood mitigation materials continues.

As BC Wildfire Crews wrap up their work before redeployment to fire ravaged areas of the province, local contractors will pick up the slack, removing sandbags and lake debris.

Property owners along the waterfront can continue to remove flood mitigation measures, but are reminded to ensure flood walls are 60 centimetres above the current lake level to protect against wind and wave action.

Sandbags no longer in use can be brought to the street for pick up and disposal.

Large chunks of unnatural debris are also being removed with the assistance of a barge. These include broken docks, unregistered boats, garbage, barrels, large trees and stumps.

While this type of debris has already been removed from most beaches and parks, the barge is collecting materials from areas in the south end of Kelowna and will hit McKinley landing later in the week, then across to Westside Road.

Similar recovery efforts will begin next week on Kalamalka and Wood lakes.

Small, woody debris on private property is the responsibility of residents to remove.

They can be placed in yard waste bins, provide they meet regular yard waste provisions.