Oil spill info needed

Someone dumped at least 45 gallons of what appears to be crankcase oil in Iqaluit’s Carney Creek off Federal Road, during the weekend of May 19 to 22.

That’s enough oil to contaminate thousands of gallons of water, which could threaten the health of people, fish and wildlife, warns Nunavut’s environmental protection division.

They’re asking for the public’s assistance in identifying who spilled the oil, in violation of Nunavut’s Environmental Protection Act.

First-time offenders could face a fine up to $300,000, and up to six months in prison.

For repeat offenders, the maximum fine increases to $1 million, and a maximum prison sentence of two years.

“We’re serious as death about this,” said Craig Welsh, manager of communications for the department of environment.

“We’re really annoyed by it, and we’ll find them.”

Clean-up began this week.

Anyone with information is asked to call Robert Eno at 975-7748.