By Dominic Abassi

UPDATED: Duke Point ferry terminal closes after oil spill

Oct 23, 2017 | 1:11 PM

NANAIMO — The Nanaimo Port Authority says a hydraulic oil spill at BC Ferries Duke Point terminal is not expected to impact the nearby estuary.

Rodney Grounds, manager of marine operations, told NanaimoNewsNOW the majority of the 120 litres of hydraulic oil which leaked from a ferry was contained and soaked up by sorbent booms. He said the oil came from the Coastal Inspiration’s door system as it arrived at the terminal just before 10 a.m. Monday.

“Present winds and tides have moved the product that’s not within the containment out towards Snake and Gabriola Island…It is not involving the Nanaimo River Estuary at this time.”

While it’s still oil, Grounds said hydraulic liquid is a “very light product” and doesn’t contain hydrocarbons like diesel or engine oil would.

Grounds said the NPA immediately contacted Snuneymuxw First Nation, who wanted as much oil as possible kept away from the Jack Point shoreline. He said BC Ferries moved some of their booms in reaction to the request. 

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The Duke Point terminal was closed for much of the day and at least three sailings were cancelled. Grounds expected the containment booms to be removed from the water around 5 p.m. Monday, however BC Ferries didn’t have an exact time for when they would resume sailing in and out of the terminal.

BC Ferries communications manager Tessa Humphries said the Coastal Inspiration was sent to the Departure Bay terminal and any foot passengers were given taxi service back to Duke Point. She said the same taxi service was offered to any foot passengers arriving at Duke Point. The Queen of Alberni continued service between Departure Bay and Tsawwassen.

Humphries said it’s hoped the Queen of Alberni will be able to dock at Duke Point after leaving Tsawwassen around 4 p.m. The Coastal Inspiration meanwhile is being sent to Tsawwassen to resume regular service for the 5:45 sailing.

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi