Federal government opens investigation into Pond Inlet fuel spill
Approximately 7,000 litres of fuel flowed into ocean off coast of Baffin community
Environment and Climate Change Canada is investigating after approximately 7,000 litres of fuel spilled into the ocean off the coast of Pond Inlet. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Community and Government Services)
Environment and Climate Change Canada is investigating after a ruptured pipeline released approximately 7,000 litres of diesel fuel into the ocean along the coast of Pond Inlet.
The spill was discovered on June 11, and reported to the public on June 19 in a public service announcement from the territorial government.
It is believed that the majority of the spill drained into the Arctic Ocean.
The sea off the coast of Pond Inlet is considered to be one of the most significant ecological areas of the world, according to Parks Canada, and located within the proposed Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area.
Federal enforcement officers with the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change visited the site June 13 to gather information and verify compliance with environmental laws, said Nicole Allen, spokesperson for the department, in an email to Nunatsiaq News.
They have opened an investigation into the matter, she said. If enforcement officers find violations of Fisheries Act or Canadian Environmental Protection Act, further enforcement and compliance action will be taken.
“[The department] is continuing to monitor the situation and has provided technical and scientific advice including identifying important environmental resources like wildlife and sensitive ecosystems,” Allen said.
Since the spill, the Nunavut government, federal government and environmental consultants have been cleaning up the spill. Work was still underway as of last week, said Heather Grant, spokesperson for Nunavut’s Department of Community and Government Services whose Petroleum Products Division is responsible for the purchase, storage and delivery of fuels in the territory.
Grant said a large portion of the work is complete and large quantities of contaminated soil has been removed from the area.
She also said at the time there were no immediate health risks to the public.
First stop Rankin Inlet PPD office, look over all the maintenance and upkeep of the tankfarms and shore manifolds that are only meters away from waterways. Ask the DM for the records he should have them all been there for years. Oh theirs no maintenance or upkeep that’s on the contractors.. oh I see the problem..Better yet they should question all the contractors and they would get the just of what happens in PPD headquarters, not much..
Why did they evacuate to kuujjuaraapik there was no evacuation order you just made thousands of dollars how will that be paid ? Air Inuit should ask for money back!
I think you’re confusing pond inlet with sanikiluaq