Despite being spread over a wide area, the Nanaimo Port Authority says it was a very small amount of fuel which spilled last weekend at the Nanaimo Harbour. (submitted photo/Michael Simard)

By Alex Rawnsley

environmental impacts

Accidental pump activation causes minor oil slick in Nanaimo marina

Apr 19, 2024 | 1:49 PM

NANAIMO — An accidental flip of a switch is believed responsible for a small oil slick in a local marina.

Crews at the Nanaimo Port Authority became aware of a vessel in the marina, between Cameron Island and the waterfront walkway, leaking oil around 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13.

Capt. Satinder Singh, NPA’s vice president of operations, told NanaimoNewsNOW calls were made to their patrol division and Canadian Coast Guard while crews on site deployed pads to try and absorb some of the material.

“It was a bilge pump that was inadvertently turned on by a mechanic that was on board the vessel. The owner was not present at the time, but they were doing some mechanical repairs and they flicked a switch on.”

Singh said the mechanic switched the pump off as soon as they were alerted to the situation.

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They are also “collaborating with our marina staff to implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future”, according to Singh.

While the volume of oil spilled into the water was “negligible”, Singh said the area around the incident isn’t as affected by tides or wind as other places.

Less water replacement on a daily basis meant the spill was localized and didn’t dissipate as normal.

It’s been deemed “non-recoverable” by the Port Authority.

“We remain committed to environmental stewardship and protection of our marine ecosystem is always at the forefront from our perspective, and we will do everything we can to mitigate these events from occurring in the future.”

Anyone who sees a potential spill or other issues in the Nanaimo Harbour should report the incident to the Port Authority, by calling 778 762 3443.

The phone line is available 24 hours a day.

The slick was visible for several days, spreading throughout a wide area toward the south end of the Nanaimo Harbour. (submitted photo/Michael Simard)

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