Updated: District of Squamish investigating possible diesel spill in vicinity of Third and Main Streets

November 17, 3 p.m. update:

Work at the source of the spill is well underway. Crews and machinery have been on-site today and have removed the main source of pollutant. Contaminants are still noticeable in the storm system, however, and so this continues to be examined and assessed.

The contaminants appear to be hydrocarbon in nature, and have been diluted with rainwater. The volume of leaked contaminants is not able to be determined.

Pond Cleanup

The contaminants have been contained in the storm water management pond with absorbent booms, and through the closure of the flap gate into the estuary. Despite best efforts, some contaminants are evident in the estuary. A vacuum truck will skim and suck the contaminants from the water surfaces to the greatest degree possible. This work will continue until there is no longer evidence of contaminated water entering from the storm water system. The trail section leading from the end of Vancouver Street to Aqua is temporarily closed because of this work.

 

November 16, 6:30 p.m.: Spill response continues in Squamish

A Ministry of Environment (MoE) representative has been on site in Squamish today working with District of Squamish staff to respond to the spill, reported late Wednesday afternoon. The source of the spill is believed to be an underground tank, a remnant of old industry on the property located on Main Street and Cleveland Avenue (between Cleveland and Loggers Lane). MoE has mobilized a hazardous materials specialist to work on containment and remediation. 

The contaminants are travelling through the storm sewer system to the stormwater pond at Third and Main Streets, where they are being contained and prevented from entering the estuary. District Operations staff will remain on scene to monitor water levels in the pond. If required, water would be pumped out of the pond to keep water at a safe level. (Pumping from the bottom of the pond would reduce the chance of pumping contaminants into the estuary).
 
There is no indication of public safety risk, but the District remains vigilant to mitigate as much of an impact as possible.

November 16, noon:

The District of Squamish has been responding overnight to a possible diesel spill at the south end of Downtown in the vicinity of Third and Main Streets. The source of the spill is under investigation and has not been tracked to a particular source at present. Immediate efforts are focused on preventing any contamination from entering the estuary.

An initial report was received at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, with additional resident reports received through the evening.

Ministry of the Environment and the Provincial Emergency Program are engaged, though early indications suggest that this is not a major spill. There are no road or trail closures to report.

Thank you to all the residents who have reported the issue. We will provide updates as more information is available.

November 16, 2017

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