Fuel Spill in Bay Roberts Under Investigation

Officials from the Department of Government Services and Lands are investigating a fuel spill which took place at the Bay Roberts Ultramar this week.

The Canadian Coast Guard, which monitors a 24 hour emergency spill line, received a call on Monday, June 2 at 10:56 p.m. informing them of the gasoline spill at the Ultramar Station in Bay Roberts. The RCMP, Bay Roberts Fire Department and Government Services Centre officials from the Department of Government Services and Lands were dispatched to the scene overnight to ensure that procedures were put in place to stop and contain the spill which had entered the town's sewer line. In addition, Ultramar dispatched the CPPI (Canadian Petroleum Products Institute) response trailer and team to the site.

In the interest of public safety, the section of highway affected by the spill, as well as the businesses along this section were closed by the fire department and RCMP as a precautionary measure. As a result, the Bay Roberts Mall, various food establishments and the school were closed. A few hours later, when the situation was deemed safe, businesses and the highway were re-opened.

Appropriate action was taken to ensure containment and subsequent recovery of the product. In this regard, Government Services Centre officials directed the installation of an interceptor trench along the boundary of the Ultramar property. However, while this trench was being installed, a drain line which normally carries water from the Ultramar property was uncovered. This drain line was discharging significant amounts of gasoline and water. To prevent fuel from discharging into the storm sewer, a pumper truck was stationed at this drainage line to vacuum the gasoline. The fire department began flushing the storm sewer with water to dislodge trapped gasoline. An absorbent and containment boom was also placed at the exit of the storm sewer in the harbour. Petroleum storage facilities on the property consist of two 45,000 litre tanks and one 22,700 litre underground fuel storage tanks. The product in these tanks has been transferred to tanker trucks and a test pit has been installed in the tank field on the Ultramar property to prevent discharge into the street.

Governement Services Centre officials are unable to confirm the quantity of product lost at this time. However, officials will continue to work at the site and a detailed report will be filed once officials have completed their investigation.

Contact:

• Sean Kelly
  Director of Communications
  Department of Environment and Labour
  (709) 729-2575

  Rick Callahan
  Director of Communications
  Department of Government Services and Lands
  (709)729-4860