During inspection of the Port Hope Harbour site on December 5 following a wind event, a worker observed that a small boat involved in PHAI work had become submerged. Upon retrieval of the boat, approximately 100 milliliters (0.1 liters) of gasoline are estimated to have spilled into the inner harbour. An investigation showed that the gasoline was released into the boat during the disconnection of the quick connect line, and from the boat to the harbour due to a faulty boat drainage port plug.
The boat was already located in an area surrounded by hydrophobic booms. Additional absorbent pads were used to successfully recover the gasoline. The pads were disposed of following appropriate handling procedures. The boat was placed on a barge and a spill pool positioned under the motor to capture additional gasoline that may leak. After a full inspection of the boat, the faulty plug was replaced, and the boat was returned to use the following day.
CNL notified the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the Ontario Spills Action Centre, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and the Municipality of Port Hope.
At no time was there a risk to the safety of workers, the public or the environment.