News release

Oil Leak Contained at MV Miner Site

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

On-site workers acted quickly to contain an oil leak during the final stages of removing the wreck of the MV Miner off Scatarie Island.

The leak happened Sunday, May 17.

"Thankfully, the contractor already had preventative actions in place and contained the spill immediately," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan. "No heavy oil got past the containment oil booms and the lobster fishery is not affected. I'm very grateful for their quick work and especially for their pro-active measures to contain the leak."

The contractor, RJ MacIsaac Construction, was planning to remove the last remaining engine from the wreck site. Because it was a large ocean-going engine, the company expected oil could be an environmental risk and took appropriate preventive measures. Divers videoed the remaining wreckage and a comprehensive plan to contain any oil leak was prepared. Oil containment booms were placed around the wreckage and oil absorption materials were on-site before trying to remove the engine.

Once it became clear a leak had happened the containment plan was implemented.

"Without the controlled salvage of the vessel and implementation of an adequate oil-containment plan, the oil would now be released into local fishing grounds," said Mr. MacLellan. "This is further evidence that removing the MV Miner from the protected shores of Scatarie was the right thing to do. The cost of this additional contamination removal effort will be added to the bill we'll be submitting to the federal government."

The Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada were notified of the leak and the information was shared with the Main-à-Dieu Community Development Association. As a standard precaution, the Coast Guard is monitoring the area by air for signs of oil.

About 800 liters of oil was collected and contained from the leak. The final cost to contain the oil leak is not yet determined.