The very nature of the work involved to generate and transmit electricity requires handling and use of a variety of potential environmental contaminants such as fuel oils, lubricating oils and chemicals. In 2007, Hydro used approximately 15 million litres of diesel fuel and 325 million litres of No. 6 fuel oil to generate electricity. As part of standard operating procedures, Hydro strives to reduce the potential for leaks and spills. However, incidents can occur and are most often the result of equipment failure, unanticipated hazards, and occasionally, human error. Being prepared for such an incident is critical to mounting a quick and effective response in order to minimize impacts on people and the environment. Hydro has developed Environmental Emergency Response Plans (EERP) to quickly, effectively and safely deal with such incidents. Within Hydro, all personnel who handle or work around petroleum products receive training related to the EERP and, when applicable, specific operating procedures have been developed to facilitate the safe handling of the products used. Hydro had 23 reportable spill and leak incidents in 2007, up from seven in 2006. Five of these entered a water body, however the volumes were very small (the highest being three litres). The approximate volume for all reportable spills was 1,587 litres, up from 747 litres in 2006. All reportable spills, with the exception of a release of air heater wash water at the Holyrood plant, involved petroleum products or its derivatives. About 850 litres or 54 per cent of the total volume was glycol; 519 litres or 33 per cent non-PCB-contaminated transformer oil; and 214 litres or 13 per cent of the total volume was hydraulic oil. Of the total 519 litres of non-PCB contaminated transformer oil, 178 litres or 34 per cent was attributed to damage from an ice storm that caused several poles containing distribution transformers to fail. As part of a Spills Management Program, there has been a focus on transformer inspection and replacements in Hydro’s TRO division. Since 2005, TRO Northern and TRO Central regions have undertaken a visual inspection of transformers in high corrosion areas to prioritize transformers for replacement. TRO Central removed over 35 transformers from service in 2007 and have committed to replacing a minimum of 40 per year in 2008 and 2009. TRO Northern removed approximately 130 transformers from service in 2007 and have set a target of 120 replacements in 2008. Transformers removed from service in TRO Northern and TRO Central regions are replaced with stainless steel transformers. The old transformers bodies are auctioned with the scrap metal for recycling and the transformer oil is collected for either reuse or recycling. CF(L)Co had five reportable spills in 2007, up from three in 2006. Two of these entered water bodies but the quantities released are unknown. One incident involved the unplanned shutdown of the town’s sewage treatment plant which in turn caused the release of untreated sewage water to a body of water. The other incident involved effluent from an oil water separator in the powerhouse exceeding regulated limits. The total volume of oil spilled and leaked in 2007 was 208 litres of petroleum type products, up from 151 litres in 2006. Hydro endeavors to recover volumes spilled for treatment and disposal. For all spills or leaks on soil, Hydro recovers contaminated soil for treatment and verifies through sampling, that any levels remaining are within acceptable limits. For spills into water, absorbent materials are used to recover any volumes that can be contained. Copyright © 2008 NL Hydro, All rights reserved.