PEI

Fire officials called to oil leak at Three Oaks Senior High in Summerside

Cleanup is now underway after an oil leak at Three Oaks High School in Summerside over the weekend.

There is no risk to staff or student safety, say Education officials

There was an oil leak at Three Oaks high school in Summerside over the weekend. (CBC)

Cleanup is now underway after an oil leak at Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside, P.E.I., over the weekend.

Someone working around the grounds noticed the leak and called for help, said Summerside FireCchief Jim Peters.

The oil tank had sprung a leak, Peters said, noting the tank was in a concrete containment area but the valve in the containment was open, allowing oil to flow out. 

The person who found leak stuffed the hole wth a rag to stop further problems until the fire department could get there.

Peters isn't sure how much oil was lost but he estimates it was at least a couple hundred litres.

Provincial environment officials were called to assist with the cleanup.

Classes on Tuesday were not affected. 

No risk

Meanwhile, school district and environment officials came to the school Saturday evening to assess the spill, and returned again Tuesday, officials from the Department of Education said. 

An environmental consultant will oversee the cleanup now underway.

The leak happened outside the school building and there were no effects inside the school, so officials said there is no risk to staff and student safety.