Oil spill reported near Nanaimo's Duke Point ferry terminal

City staff were notified on Jan. 5 of an oil spill near Duke Point ferry terminal after oily residue was found in a storm drain, and a Transport Canada flight estimated 350–1,600 litres of sheen on the water while cleanup is underway.

An oil spill was reported near Nanaimo’s Duke Point ferry terminal in early January. City staff were first notified on the afternoon of Jan. 5 and found oily residue in a storm drain near the terminal. Local officials say the spill originated from a private business in the nearby industrial park that handles used oil and battery recycling. The Environment Ministry is coordinating the response and cleanup is underway. Known details: - City of Nanaimo staff reported being notified on Jan. 5 and located oily residue in a storm drain near the Duke Point ferry terminal. - A Ministry of Environment spokesperson said a Transport Canada flight estimated between 350 and 1,600 litres of oil sheen on the water between Duke Point and Mudge Island. - City staff reported the spill originated from a private business that handles used oil and battery recycling, and that the company engaged an environmental consultant for cleanup. - The Environment Ministry took the lead on coordinating cleanup operations; officials reported no additional oily material observed outside the containment boom. - Seaspan initially investigated and deployed containment equipment at the request of the Environment Ministry but stated the spill did not originate from its terminal or vessels. Summary: Officials reported the spill after oily residue was found and have described an estimated sheen on the water; the Environment Ministry is leading cleanup operations and local resources assisted with containment. Whether any penalties or enforcement actions will follow was not stated and is undetermined at this time.