Update From The Ministry Of The Environment Re Jet Fuel Spill
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has directly provided the following update:
- On January 17, 2019, Ministry staff detected fuel-like odour beyond Grandy Lane in Shade’s Mill Conservation Area while conducting further impact assessment.
- In response, the Ministry’s local technical support returned to the area on January 18, 2019 to take additional samples from within the reservoir, at the Shade’s Mill outlet and at various locations up and downstream in the Grand River.
- The Grand River Conservation Authority supported this work by drilling holes in the reservoir ice for sampling access as needed.
- Results from this sampling will help in determining the extent of impact.
- To date, the spiller’s consultant has established eleven (11) surface water sampling locations.
- Preliminary results from this sampling event are expected by the end of day January 21, 2019 for Ministry review.
- The consultant will be submitting two remedial work plans during the week of January 21st. One for ongoing remedial work at the scene of the accident and one for creek containment and rehabilitation.
- Remedial work will continue 24/7 (weather permitting) through the weekend and any significant updates will be reported through the Ministry Spills Action Centre if after-hours.
- To date, no impacts have been observed in the Grand River or to local drinking water.
- Additional assessments made by Environment Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Branch and the spiller’s consultant continue to confirm no evidence of impacted wildlife at this time.
- Significant portions of the impacted surface water, including Shade’s Mill reservoir, are frozen, making it difficult to visually track the extent of contamination as well as recover impacts. Below freezing temperatures are expected to continue into the short term, so this will be an ongoing challenge.
- As it relates to work continuing along the 401 at the scene of the accident, the Ministry of Transportation may require that roadside heavy equipment is temporarily relocated pending weather conditions. This temporary relocation would allow for snow plowing access to ensure driver safety.
For status on the cleanup, residents can all the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Guelph District Office, Duty Officer at 519.826.4256.Over the weekend, if residents have additional observations or concerns they can contact the Spills Action Centre at 1.866.663.8477. The Spills Action Centre reporting is available 24/7.
via puslinch.ca
