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MILNE INLET - A batch of contaminated water was released accidentally at Baffinland's Milne Inlet bulk fuel site a few weeks ago.

On Sept. 22, 80,000 litres of water containing 12 kilograms of oil and grease was released into the environment after being mistaken for another batch of water that was ready for discharge.

Water from rain and snow collects at the site in the impermeable lined containment area that surrounds the fuel tanks.

The water is then treated through a separator system and tested before it is released in small batches.

Derek Chubb, vice-president of sustainable development with Baffinland, said while the contaminated water batch that was released had gone through the treatment system, the lab test showed it required further treatment before it was discharged.

"There were two batches," he said. "One was ready for discharge and the other wasn't and there was a transposition of numbers. So the wrong tank was discharged."

The water was released in a nearby ditch that was about 100 metres away from open water, Chubb added.

After reporting the incident the following day, the site was inspected by several groups, including Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA).

"INAC is the lead because they have accountability under the water licence as the water licence inspectors," said Chubb.

He added there hadn't been any indication that the incident posed any threat to the environment.

"We haven't seen any signs or any measurable signs of any hydrocarbon in the area or anything like that," said Chubb.

A spokesperson for INAC confirmed the department did an inspection of the site and will be sharing its findings with the territorial authorities and Baffinland.

The findings will be made public at a later time.

Chubb said the company would work towards preventing further incidents.

"Every incident is, of course, taken seriously and we're still continuing to following up on that and (will) make sure we're strengthening the system such that this type of incident won't occur in the future," he said.