Coral Harbour (Nov 17/04) - The company responsible for two Kivalliq fuel spills will be making some changes, according to the Government of Nunavut.

Tankers belonging to Woodward's Oil Ltd. have spilled fuel five times while servicing Nunavut communities during the past two years.

Most recently, about 200 litres were released in Coral Harbour due to a crack in a coupling used to connect fuel hoses.

Tankers can deliver 50,000-75,000 litres of fuel per hour, according to the Department of Community and Government Services (CGS).

CGS officials met with Woodward's Nov. 1 to discuss the Coral Harbour spill.

The department is satisfied that Woodward's will follow proper safety procedures following the spill, said CGS deputy minister Tom Rich.

Changes requested by the government include the use of longer hose sections and steel couplings instead of aluminum ones.

The company had been using 100-metre sections of hose, connected with aluminum couplings, Rich said.

In Coral Harbour, about 3,500 metres of hose was needed, Rich said.

Woodward's has agreed to use 1,000-metre long hoses in combination with the steel couplings to help reduce the chance of spillage, Rich said.

"We want there to be the fewest links possible," Rich said.

Transport Canada has made a similar demand, along with the request that the company certify itself using an internationally recognized designation such as ISO 9000.

No charges were laid after a spill this past summer in Pond Inlet because of a lack of evidence.

Legal action may still be taken against Woodward's upon the completion of investigations into a July spill in Rankin Inlet and the most recent Coral Harbour incident, said department spokesperson Susan McLennan.

Three-year contract

Woodward's has a three-year contract with the government, which is up for renewal next year, said Rich.

Under the contract, Woodward's is financially liable for any costs incurred prior to the safe delivery of the fuel.

CGS will not make a decision on whether to renew the current contract until it receives Transport Canada's final report.

Calls to Woodward's head office were not returned before deadline.