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Environment Yukon says black substance found in Porter Creek did not reach the water

Environment Yukon says it has no evidence that contaminants found outside of a contentious property in Porter Creek reached the water.

Environment Yukon says it has no evidence that contaminants found outside of a contentious property in Porter Creek reached the water.

Tests on a black substance found in April on the road out front of a property on Lodgepole Lane revealed the goo is likely hydraulic fluid, said spokesperson Roxanne Stasyszyn.

“The investigation determined that there was contamination (on the ground) so we will continue to monitor that contamination but the investigation did not provide sufficient evidence to determine a responsible party,” she said.

The owner of the property, Len McGinnis, has been working to clean up old cars and derelict buildings for years. His neighbour has publicly raised concerns about the safety of nearby water.

In the legislative assembly earlier this week Yukon Party MLA Geraldine Van Bibber asked for an update on the dispute.

Stasyszyn said environment officials will continue to monitor the public land between the property and the water. Without a warrant or the owner’s consent, officials can’t go on private property, she said.

The land slopes towards Porter Creek so any contaminants would pass through public land before hitting the water, she said.

For now Environment Yukon hasn’t laid any charges under territorial legislation.

Stasyszyn said McGinnis is co-operating with efforts to get the property cleaned up.

“At this point in time we’re focusing our efforts on cleaning it up with the property owner rather than focusing our efforts on building a legal case.”