An oil spill near Nanaimo, B.C.’s Duke Point Ferry Terminal has raised concerns for the local marine environment and wildlife. The City of Nanaimo was alerted to the spill on January 5, discovering oily residue near the ferry terminal through a storm drain. The spill was traced back to a nearby private business specializing in used oil and battery recycling in the industrial park.
According to a Ministry of Environment spokesperson, a Transport Canada aerial assessment estimated that between 350 and 1,600 liters of oil sheen had spread in the water between Duke Point and Mudge Island. Resident Jackie Wasyluk witnessed the spill’s impact at Cable Bay, nearly three kilometers away, noting a strong diesel odor on Tuesday. Wasyluk, who heads the Save Cable Bay advocacy group, expressed shock at the spill occurring in an ecologically sensitive area teeming with marine life and birds.
Cable Bay, known for its sea lions, otters, seals, and frequent orca sightings, is a vital marine habitat on Vancouver Island. Nanaimo Coun. Ben Geselbracht mentioned that city officials were informed of the Environment Ministry taking charge of cleanup efforts. Seaspan, the ferry operator at Duke Point, was requested by the ministry to deploy a containment boom around the spill, even though the spill did not originate from Seaspan’s facilities or vessels.
City staff confirmed that Seaspan initially suspected the spill to be linked to their operations. A diver was dispatched to inspect the spill, followed by the deployment of oil booms and absorbent pads to contain and address the spill. The Environment Ministry reported that cleanup operations are ongoing, with no further oil seepage detected beyond the containment boom. The responsible private company has engaged an environmental consultant for the cleanup, but it is unclear if any penalties will be imposed on them.