Waste oil dumped in river being investigated by province

Province is asking anyone with information to come forward

Image | Waste oil

Caption: The province is still investigating the dumped waste oil. (Brian Higgins/CBC)

P.E.I.'s Department of Public Safety is investigating after waste oil was discovered at a popular fishing spot in Queens County.
Officials said it appears that someone hauled a bucket of waste oil down to MacLean's Dam in Vernon River and emptied it into the river.
Officials say the waste was dumped from a 20-litre pail.
The pollution was reported last Tuesday, and environment officials hired a private firm to conduct the cleanup Wednesday.

Image | Waste oil

Caption: Officials say it appears someone hauled the bucket of waste oil to the river to dump it. (PEI Public Safety/Facebook)

Cleanup included removal of contaminated material, and scrubbing rocks and concrete to remove as much of the oil product as possible. Government said the clean up cost about $500.
The P.E.I. Watershed Alliance did a lot of work on the popular fishing spot in recent years, including building a new fish passage to allow trout, smelt and gaspereau access spawning habitat upstream, according to the province.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact a conservation officer at 902-368-4884 or online.(external link)
Used motor oil can be dropped off free of charge at Waste Watch Drop-Off Centre's as household hazardous waste(external link).
Corrections:
  • This story previously said Vernon River is in Kings County. It is, in fact, in Queens County. February 27, 2018 2:09 PM