Seepage from Disused Fuel Pipe Contained on Prince Rupert Industrial Waterfront

JUNE 29, 2015

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Efforts are currently underway at Prince Rupert’s industrial waterfront to stop a slow leak from an abandoned fuel pipe. The seepage was first observed yesterday, with immediate action taken to prevent the contaminant from escaping into the marine environment.

Excavation work has permitted access to a nearby junction from which the pipe can be flushed and capped. This will prevent further seepage of a small quantity of oily liquid that is believed to be bunker fuel.

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) was engaged on Sunday afternoon to contain the small quantity of liquid that reached the foreshore. WCMRC will also be working to clean the shoreline and immediate vicinity.

The pipe passes under property owned by the Port of Prince Rupert, terminating adjacent to the marine berth of Westview Wood Pellet Terminal. The containment and cleanup response was triggered when terminal staff reported a rainbow sheen near the tideline yesterday.

While the small quantity of escaped oil is believed to pose minimal risk to marine life and vegetation, an environmental consultant engaged by the Port Authority has been onsite since Monday morning to assess potential impacts.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Michael Gurney
Manager, Corporate Communications
Prince Rupert Port Authority
Direct: 250 627-2509
Email: mgurney@rupertport.com

NT3