Pond Inlet pipeline problems may have begun months before large spill detected

CBC
·2-min read
The rupture in the 950m long pipe was reported on June 11th, 2024. Though the Petroleum Products Division now believes the break was caused as early as December 2023.
The rupture in the 950-metre pipe was reported on June 11th. Nunavut's Petroleum Products Division now believes the break was caused as early as December 2023. (Submitted by Nunavut's Department of Community and Government Services)

Problems with a pipeline that caused a large fuel spill in Pond Inlet last month may have begun as early as December, according to Nunavut's Petroleum Products Division (PPD).

The territory said it discovered, on June 11, that 7,000 litres of diesel had leaked out of a damaged 950-metre pipe and that most of it had spilled into the ocean. The PPD said early investigations suggest the pipe ruptured because of extreme cold over winter.

The week after the spill was reported, PPD's director Nathaniel Hutchinson said much of the fuel was trapped underneath the ice, which was hampering clean-up efforts. PPD said conditions have since improved, and crews are now able to dig up contaminated soil and get onto the ice to soak up spillage.

That work is expected to continue for at least another week.

Disruption to the community

Even though crews are now able to carry out short-term remediation efforts, Pond Inlet Mayor Joshua Arreak said he's noticed the fuel spill's impacts on the community.

"On Canada Day, we were going to have contests for sculpins down by the beach. That was cancelled because of the smell," he said. "The animals, especially seals and fish, may have moved away from the area."

Fuel spilled down part of the shoreline in Pond Inlet, Nunavut.
Fuel spilled down part of the shoreline in Pond Inlet, Nunavut. (Submitted by the Nunavut Department of Community and Government Services)

Emily He, the manager of Pembina Institute's renewables in remote communities program, said she's worried about the consequences the spill might have if not dealt with immediately. She referenced a state of emergency in Iqaluit in 2021, triggered by contaminated drinking water.

"Residents were unable to access clean drinking water for weeks in the city's systems. So I think that example highlights the need for urgent action," she said.

"Nunavut is extremely reliant on diesel for heating and electricity, so I think looking at the opportunities for reducing diesel-use is critical for reducing spills."

Residents are advised to steer clear of the affected areas for another two weeks — and to keep their pets away too.

PPD expects the pipe will be fixed before a fuel resupply coming on August 20.

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