Update on the Baker Lake fuel tank spill

Public Service Announcement

Update on the Baker Lake fuel tank spill

The Department of Community and Government Services (CGS) is continuing cleanup efforts in Baker Lake following a fuel spill that was announced on April 22.

The Environmental Response Team arrived in Baker Lake on April 24 and have been working at remediating and cleaning the spill site. They have placed approximately 3,100 cubic metres of impacted ice, snow, and soil in a temporary containment cell. A second temporary containment cell is being built to allow for additional storage of meltwater and soil.

Test trenches and pits have been dug around the fuel tank farm, soil samples have been collected to determine how far the spilled fuel may have spread, and a cut off wall is being constructed to stop any additional movement. Sampling to date has shown that the spill has not extended into Baker Lake and the risk of this happening is low.

The response team is also inspecting the tank farm’s liner to identify where repairs may be needed. Existing fuel tanks at the farm are being emptied and inspected while investigations are ongoing to identify the exact source of the spill.

A water treatment crew will arrive shortly at the spill site in order to treat impacted meltwater. Treated water will be released only after it meets the necessary discharge criteria. In addition, CGS is testing the drinking water source in Baker Lake for the presence of hydrocarbons.

The response team is expected to complete remediation by the fall with continued monitoring into 2023. Weekly updates are being provided to the Mayor and Council. Additional information will be provided to the public as and when necessary.

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Media Contact:

Mustafa Eric
Communications Specialist
Community and Government Services
Government of Nunavut
867-975-5406
@email