By Lachlan Labere/Eagle Valley News
A Canadian Pacific locomotive was removed from service Friday, Mar. 7 after it was found to have leaked 2,000 litres of diesel fuel on a railway siding in Malakwa.
Kevin Hrysak, spokesperson for CP, said immediate steps were taken to clean up the spill, using spill pads and sawdust to contain the fuel to the track area. He said the incident was immediately reported to the Malakwa Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Chief Joanne Held, who visited the scene on behalf of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Fire Services to determine if there was a hazard requiring suppression, as well as provide an initial assessment for the Ministry of Environment.
“Our initial report was the spill was clear of any danger to ponds or creeks,” said CSRD fire services co-ordinator Kenn Mount. “The site was well looked after and CP rail staff were attending to the situation appropriately.”
Mount said CP immediately brought in support to capture and contain the spillage, and contractors for the ministry assisted with the removal.
“Communication onsite with CP Rail and CSRD Fire Services was good and all agencies were very co-operative,” said Mount, adding removal and clean-up continues.
Hrysak noted the incident to be a “one-of-a-kind situation.”