Late Monday afternoon, Midland harbour master Rick Dalziel noticed a sheen on the water in Midland Harbour and the strong smell of diesel in the air.
Acting quickly, Dalziel notified town staff. From there, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Spills Action Centre were notified and the Canadian Coast Guard responded to investigate the potential size and spread of the spill with the town enlisting the services of a professional cleanup crew.
Absorbent mats were laid in the water by the cleanup crew to help extract the diesel fuel, and the Coast Guard surveyed the area by helicopter Tuesday morning looking for signs of diesel in other areas of the harbour. At this point, no other instances of a diesel spill have been located and the investigation has been closed, according to the town.
“Our storm sewer system was investigated as a possible source, however there was no sign of any diesel fuel within the system, and the boats still in the harbour did not show any indications of being the source either,” said Andy Campbell, executive director of environment and infrastructure.
"The Coast Guard estimates this was approximately 5 to 10 gallons of diesel fuel. One litre of diesel fuel has the potential to spread over 3,000 square metres. Thanks to the quick action by Rick, this situation appears to be contained and the potential spread avoided," said Campbell.
Cleanup crews are expected to be on site for the remainder of the day to ensure the fuel is cleaned up.
Though the source of this diesel spill has not been identified, watercraft operators are reminded that in the event of a fuel spill they must report it as soon as possible to the Canadian Coast Guard by calling 1-800-265-0237 (in Ontario). You may also report marine pollution incidents by contacting a MCTS centre on VHF channel 16.
