Fuel Pipe Leak at Port of Prince Rupert
Seepage from disused fuel pipe contained on Prince Rupert industrial waterfront
Efforts are underway at Prince Rupert’s industrial waterfront to stop a slow leak from an abandoned fuel pipe, the Prince Rupert Port Authority reports.
Seepage at the Port of Prince Rupert was first observed Sunday, with immediate action taken to prevent the contaminant from escaping into the marine environment, according to the port authority.
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 Sunday.
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.
