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SPILLS AND OTHER INCIDENTS
We maintain a state of preparedness in order to respond quickly and effectively to environmental emergencies.
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 2006, Hydro used approximately 15 million litres of diesel fuel and 200 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 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 seven reportable spill and leak incidents in 2006. Two of these entered a water body, however the volumes were very small (both were less than one litre each). The approximate volume for all reportable spills was 747 litres, up from 160 litres in 2005. All reportable spills involved petroleum products or its derivatives, with 87.8% being non-PCB-contaminated transformer oil, 12% jet fuel and 0.2% bearing oil.
CF(L)Co had three reportable spills in 2006, two of which entered water bodies. The total volume of oil spilled and leaked was 151 litres of petroleum type products.
The total volume of liquid reportable spills cleaned up is estimated. The estimations are based on 100% recovery of spills or leaks on soil. In all spills from our distribution system, Hydro recovered contaminated soil and verified, through sampling, that the level remaining was within acceptable levels.
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