Cleanup Continues on Dartmouth Diesel Spill

ENVIRONMENT--Cleanup Continues on Dartmouth Diesel Spill

• ---------------------------------------------------------------Work continues to remove remaining diesel fuel from the Shubenacadie Canal and a nearby still water area.

The fuel entered the water as a result of a motor vehicle collision on Highway 107 on Aug. 8.

A site professional is in charge of the cleanup and the Department of Environment is monitoring the progress. Booms and absorbent pads remain in place, and a skimmer truck is on site to remove larger pools of fuel. Affected soil under the bridge where the collision occurred will be removed.

The spill appears to be limited to the canal and some still water between the canal and Lake William. Department of Environment staff, with some assistance from Environment Canada, have been monitoring Lake William and there is little evidence of diesel fuel entering the lake.

The site professional spoke with three affected households on the still water area before Lake William. A sheen at one of the properties has been cleaned up and work continues today, Aug. 12, on a second property. A third property was not impacted by the fuel.

As a precaution, residents and visitors to Lake William are advised to watch for odour or oily sheen in the water and report them to the department by calling 902-424-7773. Details will be given to the contractor.