Suncor Energy is responding to a diesel spill that occurred last night at its Montreal refinery port facilities. Current estimates indicate that approximately 35 barrels of diesel leaked into the St. Lawrence River.
Suncor’s refinery in Montreal is one of four facilities operated by the company. The Montreal refinery is a 130,000-barrel-per-day refinery which produces gasoline, distillates, asphalts, heavy fuel oil, petrochemicals, solvents and feedstock for lubricants.
Suncor’s emergency response team, supported by the Montreal fire department, was activated immediately and containment booms were deployed into the river to contain the product at the dock. There were no injuries and at this time there is no evidence of any damage to fish or wildlife.
The source of the leak has been stopped. Most of the product has been contained and is currently being recovered with the use of vacuum trucks.
Suncor’s first priority is to protect the environment, and to minimize the impact of this incident on the river.
At this point, with the containment we have deployed to the river, we expect to complete the recovery of at least 30 barrels of diesel within approximately 24 hours. All the required regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of the Environment, have been notified and actively engaged in this situation.
Suncor will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.