Environmental Disaster Unfolds: The Ongoing Diesel Spill Crisis in Woodstock

A Silent Threat Unveiled: The Discovery of the Diesel Spill

More than two months have passed since the detection of a massive diesel spill at an Irving truck stop on Beardsley Road in Woodstock, yet the environmental cleanup efforts remain ongoing. The spill, initially identified on December 12, 2024, only revealed its full magnitude in late February when CBC uncovered critical information through a freedom of information request from the New Brunswick environment department. The data revealed that a staggering 100,000 liters of diesel fuel had escaped from an underground storage tank, contaminating the surrounding environment. The far-reaching consequences of this disaster continue to ripple through the community, affecting local businesses and homeowners, with water testing of neighboring properties still underway.

The journey to uncover the truth began when concerns about a petroleum odor in the bathroom water of a Tim Horton’s franchise in the parking lot of Murray’s Irving Restaurant and Truck Stop were raised by customers and staff. In response, Tim Hortons contracted Gemtech to test both treated and untreated water. Samples were collected on December 12, 2024, and by December 14, the results confirmed the presence of gasoline in the untreated water. This discovery set off a chain reaction, triggering a massive investigation into the source, extent, and mitigation of the spill.

A Growing Environmental Crisis: Contamination and its Fallout

The investigation quickly revealed that the diesel leak had contaminated not only the Tim Horton’s well but also the well serving Murray’s restaurant and the Irving truck stop. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to the immediate closure of the businesses. Environmental officials, Irving staff, and a host of consultants and contractors descended on the site to address the crisis. Despite the sudden influx of activity, company and government officials offered little public explanation, leaving confused residents and customers with more questions than answers.

Behind the scenes, however, concerns among environmental officials were growing. Documentation obtained by CBC highlighted the gravity of the situation, with the Irving underground fuel tanks identified as the source of the contamination. Irving promptly hired Dillon Consultants to pinpoint the problem and devise a mitigation strategy. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the initial estimate of a 5,000-liter leak was grossly underestimated. The true extent of the spill appeared to surpass 100,000 liters, with fuel breaching nearby wells and infiltrating groundwater. The diesel flowed downhill towards the Trans Canada Highway, with surface water in nearby highway ditches testing at 90% fuel content.

The human impact of the spill was immediate. Tim Hortons closed its doors and remained shuttered nearly three months later, while Murray’s Restaurant and the Irving gas bar reopened after just a few days, relying on potable water trucked in from the town well. The Town of Woodstock confirmed that an Irving contractor was purchasing water from its town well to supply the affected businesses.

Community Impact: Businesses and Residents Affected

The spill’s repercussions extended beyond the immediate area, affecting neighboring properties and businesses. A fleet of trucks, heavy equipment, and vacuum trucks converged on the Irving site to collect contaminated water, while water-testing crews fanned out across the area to monitor nearby wells. Hilary Stockford of Stockford Reefers, a trucking service company located in an industrial park north of the truck stop, reported that Irving contractors were conducting regular water testing on her company’s wells, as well as those of other businesses and homeowners in the area.

While Stockford expressed deep concern about the situation, she acknowledged the proactive measures being taken to ensure water quality. To date, all test results from neighboring properties have returned clean, offering a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing crisis. However, the sheer scale of the spill and its potential long-term effects continue to loom large, leaving many in the community on edge.

Unanswered Questions: The Cause of the Leak and Its Implications

As the cleanup efforts continue, questions remain about the cause of the leak and how such a disaster could occur undetected. Investigators identified a cracked elbow attached to one of the Irving underground tanks as the source of the leak. However, they were unable to determine whether the diesel leaked slowly over a long period or flowed quickly into the ground. In a report issued on December 23, Mallory Gilliss, a manager of contaminated sites with the Department of Environment, stated that the investigation was ongoing, with no clear timeline for resolving these uncertainties.

The lack of answers has left many baffled, particularly given the stringent record-keeping and safety protocols surrounding fuel storage. Fuel tank operators are required to maintain precise records of fuel flow and perform daily reconciliations, making it difficult to understand how such a massive leak could go unnoticed. “It’s mind-boggling,” said one operator familiar with fuel storage, echoing the sentiments of many in the industry.

Both government and company officials have been tight-lipped about the investigation, with the Department of Environment directing media inquiries to the company owner, who has not responded to requests for comment. This lack of transparency has only added to the frustration and concern among residents and business owners.

Ongoing Concerns: The Road to Recovery and Unanswered Questions

As the cleanup and mitigation efforts drag on, questions about the spread of the contaminant persist. Neither government nor company officials have provided clarity on whether the diesel reached the surrounding watershed or dispersed into the groundwater tables. These unanswered questions leave the community in a state of limbo, unsure of the long-term implications for their water supply and the local environment.

The road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and arduous. For now, the people of Woodstock can only watch and wait as the situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that restores their confidence in the safety of their environment.