New Brunswick’s Department of Environment and Climate Change has completed a second phase of province-wide inspections of retail gas stations, part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and transparency following a diesel spill in the Town of Woodstock last year.
Since the inspection program began in April, the department has carried out 91 inspections at retail fuel outlets across New Brunswick. Non-compliances were identified at 47 sites, primarily related to unlicensed operations, missing owner or operator information, the use of hold-open devices, unregistered tanks, and improper storage tank labelling.
Enforcement actions for the gas stations, including tickets and compliance plans have been issued, and additional inspections are planned.
At the Irving station on Beardsley Road in Woodstock, where a December 2024 diesel spill released an estimated 189,000 litres of product, environmental remediation and monitoring are ongoing. Before the retail outlet reopened on December 17, all petroleum systems at the site were tested to confirm there were no additional leaks.
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Irving Oil Ltd., the responsible party, continues to conduct cleanup activities in accordance with the province’s Contaminated Sites Regulation.
“Efforts include groundwater monitoring, both on- and off-site, as well as the installation of an extraction system designed to remove diesel from below ground at the site,” announced Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage in a statement. “Remediation equipment will remain in operation and will be winterized so that it can operate as needed throughout the winter,” the Minister added.
Sampling results to date show no impacts to nearby potable wells. An ecological assessment has been completed, and the results will be released once available.
The department says it continues to investigate the causes of the release and is ensuring that Irving Oil Ltd. complies with all relevant environmental legislation, including the Petroleum Product Storage and Handling Regulation.
LePage said the department remains committed to keeping New Brunswickers informed.
“I appreciate the community’s concerns and will provide ongoing updates on remediation activities and any significant findings that can be released from the investigation process,” he said.
