Clean-up continues in the Cobourg Harbour after a suspected fuel spill was identified late Monday evening.
On Monday, July 24, 2023 Cobourg Fire Chief Ellard Beaven was out for an evening walk when there was a diesel odour along the north wall (G dock) of the harbour around 10:50 p.m.
Environmental Technician for the Town of Cobourg, Jennifer Leno said there was a “heavy sheen” observed along the north wall area.
Cobourg Fire Department responded along with the Canadian Coast Guard who notified Spills Action Centre.
The Coast Guard working with the fire department installed a sea boom around the affected area to prevent the spreading of the sheen.
“The Coast Guard is the lead on the spill and are sending staff today to assist with cleanup/identifying the source.”
Marina staff are assisting with the assessment of the sheen and the source.
“After late night/early morning investigations, it is believed that a boat was leaking fuel when it arrived in the marina last night. It did not receive fuel from our fueling station and was docked away from our fueling station.”
GFL Environmental Spill Response arrived on Tuesday morning and are removing the sheen and the diesel fuel from the surface of the marina via a Vac Truck.
GFL will be co-ordinating with Town Staff and the Coast Guard during the cleanup operations.
Larry Spyrka (Lakefront Utility Services Inc.) at the Water Plant was contacted as per procedure but there has been no threat to drinking water collection or treatment.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
