A petroleum refinery and chemical manufacturing plant owned by Imperial Oil Limited in Sarnia, Ontario, has been fined more than $1 million for the release of approximately 1,150 litres of “slop oil”, a waste product composed of crude oil, water, and waste solids.
The fine relates to an incident in January 2021, when employees at the Sarnia plant discovered a leak in a steam tracer line used to prevent pipeline freezing during winter. The leak was designated as a second level priority where the risk level was considered acceptable to leave unrepaired for a period of time, a Sarnia court heard.
“Although repairs were scheduled for March 2021, the company delayed addressing the issue to avoid potential risks of freezing and splitting pipes during winter,” states an enforcement bulletin from the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
Before the planned repairs could occur, the escaping steam bored a hole in the slop oil line, resulting in the discharge, according to the MECP. Air monitoring following the spill did not detect harmful gases such as hydrogen sulphide or volatile organic compounds. However, the spill caused significant adverse effects on nearby residents and businesses as well as the Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
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Residents reported health symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and nausea. Additionally, strong odours disrupted daily activities and raised health and safety concerns.
As a result of the incident, Imperial Oil revised its steam leak repair prioritization criteria to include the potential impact to the community as part of the highest priority criteria when assessing the repair.
Imperial Oil was fined $900,000 plus a $225,000 victim fine surcharge.
