A resident near the LaHave River Yacht Club is calling on members to be more accountable when it comes to fuel spills.
William Nickerson of West LaHave says he and other members were told between 100-150 gallons of fuel was discharged by a vessel into the river July 10.
He says the spill created a large sheen in the water.
“As a member of the Yacht Club, I would like them to step to the plate and admit the error and also, they need to be justified and have some proper procedures in place for spillages as well as the fire department.
Nickerson says no booms were put in place to contain the spill by the Yacht Club or the local Fire Department.
“If the booms would have been there, we would’ve put something in place. They had a spill kit, which is simply rectangular pads. It did nothing to stop the several hundred metre sheen on the surface of the LaHave River and it coated all the boats.”
Meanwhile, the commodore of the LaHave River Yacht Club defends the steps that were taken
Richard Foy says after learning of the spill, 911 was called and firefighters from LaHave and RCMP assisted.
He says the spill was “small, less than 20 gallons, and would look like a lot after spreading in the water.”
Foy says the boat that caused the leak was removed from the river the next day.
He says a letter has been sent to members about protocol if a similar incident occurs.
Members of the Canadian Coast Guard attended the scene a day after the incident and observed what they called “a non-recoverable sheen.”
They say no further action is required.
