Diesel spill at Meliadine project
Leak in diesel storage tank discovered and contained
Beth Brown
Northern News Services
Monday, April 17, 2017
KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET
Authorities are investigating a spill of approximately 30,000 litres of diesel fuel April 8 at Agnico Eagle's Meliadine mine project near Rankin Inlet.
A fuel spill of 30,000 litres of diesel occurred at a Meliadine project storage tank near Rankin Inlet April 8. - photo courtesy of Agnico Eagle |
A hose on a 100,000-litre diesel storage tank was found to have a leak, which was immediately stopped upon discovery.
"The spill was contained to the localized area and based on existing evidence, it did not reach any fresh water," said Agnico Eagle spokesperson Natalie Frackleton.
"The impacted area is being excavated to remove all of the material and the material is being placed in an approved, contained, lined area on site."
The root cause is unknown and the Kivalliq Inuit Association as well as federal and territorial authorities have been notified.
