News release

Barney's River Oil Spill Cleanup Progressing

Environment (April 2008 - Feb. 2021)
Health Promotion and Protection (March 2006 - Jan. 2011)
Agriculture

The cleanup of spilled oil at Barney's River in Pictou County is about 90 per cent complete.

Containment booms, vacuum trucks, and soil removal efforts have been effective in removing waste oil that spilled from a truck accident on Highway 104 on Aug. 18. Department of Environment officials are at the site daily, monitoring the clean up, which is the responsibility of the trucking company.

A preliminary test by Environment Canada of water beneath the surface, downstream from the clean up site, shows no oil was detected. More detailed testing is being done on that sample, and others taken in different parts of the river, on different days.

"While the potential risk to human health is minimal, we understand that residents and visitors may have concerns about water quality in Barney's River," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, deputy chief medical officer of health with the Department of Health Promotion and Protection. "Swimming should be avoided if you see a sheen on the water, or detect an oil odour."

Officials also advise that the public stay away from the clean-up area, about a five kilometre stretch along the river, or near the containment booms.

There are no drinking water wells within 4.5 kilometres of the spill site. A test of water in the nearest well detected no oil in the drinking water.

Drinking untreated river water is never recommended as it may contain unhealthy levels of naturally occurring bacteria.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is working with the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans to ensure the long-term health of the fisheries resource and the interests of the anglers are addressed. Anglers should report anything unusual to local Fisheries Officers.

"We've considered all the factors and see no issue with consuming fish from this river," said Mike Horwich, director of food protection and enforcement, with the Department of Agriculture.

The government will also deliver information to residents in the area next week. Environmental consultants have been employed by the trucking company to begin a monitoring program that assesses potential future impacts to the river.

The toll-free number to report concerns about the effects of environmental emergencies in Nova Scotia is 1-800-565-1633.