Image: The Canadian Press / Following extensive water sampling and analysis to assess contamination and risk factors, Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island) says tap water is safe to drink after a VIA Rail passenger train collided with debris on railroad tracks in early March, causing thousands of litres of diesel fuel to spill.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Seabird Island

Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island) says tap water is safe to drink after VIA Rail train fuel spill in early March

Mar 26, 2024 | 11:19 AM

SEABIRD ISLAND — Following extensive water sampling and analysis to assess contamination and risk factors, Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island) says tap water is safe to drink after a VIA Rail passenger train collided with debris on railroad tracks in early March, causing thousands of litres of diesel fuel to spill near Agassiz.

Seabird Island wrote on its Facebook page Monday (Mar. 25) that tap water in the area has been found to be safe. All six monitoring wells will continue to be tested. No hydrocarbons have been found in the water to date, and underground water flow from the area flows towards the southeast, away from residential areas.

Earlier this month, according to a statement on the band’s Facebook page dated Saturday night, Mar. 2, a VIA Rail passenger train collided with debris on railroad tracks, puncturing the engine’s fuel tanks and causing the train to stop near the Highway 9 crossing at Lophet Road (Bobb Road).

The band said at the time that while there were no injuries reported, there was no imminent risk to Seabird Island residents. As a precaution, some homes with well water along Highway 9 have directly received a water advisory notice. Drinking water was being supplied to these homes.

Nucor Environmental Solutions had been actively working to clean up the site, the band said in its statement, adding that it asked residents to exercise caution when traveling near the scene.

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According to scanner traffic, multiple engines from both Agassiz Fire and Seabird Island were dispatched at approximately 7:47 p.m. for a fuel spill of approximately 500 metres on Friday, March 1. There were approximately 130 passengers aboard the VIA train when the train struck debris. Roughly 5,000 to 6,000 litres of diesel fuel leaked from the train. Haz mat crews from CP were dispatched; the train stopped as a result of the accident. Environment Canada was notified of the fuel spill.

Although extensive water sampling and analysis were conducted to assess contamination and risk factors, the band says water sampling and testing will continue. Remediation plans continue to be developed.

Fourteen addresses were part of a water advisory, including Seabird Island Road and Chowat Road.

The band says tap water can now be used for drinking, cooking, making juice or infant formula, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, making ice cubes, hand washing, washing dishes, making soup or coffee, bathing and laundry.