The Departments of Environment and Conservation and Government Services wish to advise residents who have had oil tanks or water wells impacted by Hurricane Igor that certain actions should be taken to ensure safety.

Flooding of Water Wells

• Assess the condition of the well. Ensure the ground surface around the well is intact and stable. Check to see if any electrical components or wires are visible, or if there is damage to the well casing.
• Mud, silt and other debris should be removed from the well casing, cap and all accessible components.
• Disinfect the well.
• After a contaminated well has been properly disinfected and the chlorine has been flushed out of the water system, the water should be tested to confirm that bacterial contamination has been removed.
• Until testing shows that the water is free of bacterial contamination, continue to use disinfected or boiled water.

For more information on flooding and well water safety, please visit //www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/waterres/quality/drinkingwater/index.html

Oil Tank Leaks

• Stop any leak and clean up the impacted area, including taking all reasonable steps to recover escaped fuel, and remove or treat contaminated soil located on the property. This should be done only when the site has been assessed and it is deemed safe to do so.
• Contact a heating oil provider, heating contractor or a Licensed Inspector for assistance.
• Contact the Spill Report Line at 1-800-563-9089.
• Have any leak temporarily sealed, if possible.
• Remove any heating oil from the leaking tank.

For more information on measures to deal with damaged oil tanks and fuel leaks, please visit //www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/env_protection/petroleum.html

It is important for homeowners who have questions or concerns to contact the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 1-888-395-5611 or their local Government Service Centre (GSC). Contact information for the centres can be found at //www.gs.gov.nl.ca/department/contact.html#locations

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