The City of Iqaluit has provided an update today on fuel contamination at the water treatment plant.
The investigation team has located an underground spill that shows signs of “historic fuel” adjacent to the treatment plant in an “inaccessible, below ground void.”
Testing is underway to confirm that the below ground fuel is the source of contamination.
The affected tank was isolated, pumped out and bypassed from the rest of the treatment process, as well as other underground tanks as a preventative measure.
The City has reported the spill to the Government of Nunavut and has engaged a professional firm to manage the spill and remove it from site.
Engineers are working to develop and execute a site remediation plan.
The City added that, with multiple underground tanks bypassed, the water treatment plant is still able to achieve its chlorine contact time and disinfection requirements due to its sizable potable water storage reservoirs.
On Oct. 15, 2021, officials held a press conference announcing lab tests found fuel in the drinking water.
Various fuel components were found in samples from the tank. The compounds found in the supply were most likely either diesel fuel or kerosene.
Recent test results show that water in the City’s distribution system were below levels concerning for health.
