SARNIA, ON, Sept. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Progress continues to be made to manage a leak that occurred Tuesday at Churchill Road and Vidal Street in Sarnia of approximately 200 barrels of diesel fuel.

"We apologize to the people of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation, Sarnia, Wallaceburg and St. Clair Township for the incident that has occurred," said Tony Waters, General Manager of Sun-Canadian Pipe Line. "Sun-Canadian, supported by a team of external experts from local municipalities and neighbouring industry, is working 24 hours a day to resolve the issues caused by the leak. We are committed to ensuring that issues are addressed and that you feel reassured that we are responding appropriately to this situation."

Specifically, Sun-Canadian Pipe Line reports the following progress:

• Test results at intakes downstream indicate that water quality in the St. Clair River remains safe and no environmental impacts have been noted;
• In cooperation with the Sarnia Police, we have implemented a traffic management plan in and around Aamjiwnaang to enhance the safety of community members; and
• We are remediating the site where the leak occurred and have skimmed and vacuumed an area of the river enclosed by 1,000 metres of boom.

"Our immediate priorities are execution of the remediation plan, restoration of the affected areas, and keeping the public up to date with our progress," Waters said. "We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while we complete the clean-up."

Citizens with questions are encouraged to call: 1-800-263-6641 or email: info@sun-canadian.com

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Sun-Canadian Pipeline Company Limited Backgrounder

The Pipeline

The Sun-Canadian Pipeline was built in 1953 to transport refined petroleum products from refineries in the Sarnia area to fuel distribution terminals in the London, Hamilton and Toronto areas. The 637-kilometer pipeline consists of 212.1 and 323.9 mm lines running through five pump stations located in Sarnia, Kerwood, London, Paris and Waterdown. The operating pressure of the pipeline is 9,900 kPa (1,440 psi). In 2012, approximately 6.5 million cubic meters of petroleum products were transported through the pipeline.

Emergency Response Capabilities

Sun-Canadian's emergency response plan is equipped to handle all potential spills regardless of size. The company is an active member of the Chemical Valley Emergency Coordinating Organization, which co-ordinates emergency response to events in the Sarnia and Lambton areas. It also has the ability to call on assistance from industry co-ops sponsored by the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute, and the Great Lakes Response Centre for marine spills. The Sun-Canadian Oil Spill Manual and Contingency Plan includes a number of third party contractors available to provide equipment and services in the event of an emergency.

Health, Safety & Environmental Management

Sun-Canadian is ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certified. ISO 14001 sets out a framework for companies to implement an effective environmental management system. Managers are responsible for providing a safe work environment and developing policies and procedures that minimize losses and foster safe and environmentally sound workplace attitudes. In the last 16 years, Sun-Canadian has had zero lost-time incidents.

The company runs a public awareness program that educates municipalities, landowners, contractors and developers about the pipeline and its hazards. It also offers a no-charge line locating service so that the community can safely work around the line without risking injury or a potential spill.

Community Support

Sun-Canadian is a platinum donor with the United Way and supports the St. Matthew's House Adopt-A-Family program each Christmas.

SOURCE Sun-Canadian Pipe Line