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Source of unknown substance in question Continued from page 1 3 · Wednesday, March 17, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com of Bronte Creek that flows through the Suncor property site, opposite the Petro Canada Refinery. For this reason, the Town had Suncor take over responsibility for the containment effort Friday afternoon. "They had a Hazmat contractor on site. They installed containment booms around the area that was contaminated and they were in the process of pumping the spill into recovery tanks," said Cozzi. "I can't tell you how much was recovered and how much was not because with all the rain that occurred on Friday, ultimately what happened was the containment site was overrun with floodwater, so not all of it was retrieved. We don't know how much was lost and went downstream and into the lake." Dufresne said the MOE is not so sure about the Town's conclusions concerning the substance's origin. "At this point, we don't know who is responsible for having spilled the material," she said. "We do know it was near the Suncor property. If you are the property owner (and a strange substance is found there) you have to clean it up even though this is a flowing creek and we don't know where the source is yet. I just want to be careful in saying Suncor is the source because we haven't confirmed that, yet, and I want to be fair to them." The environmental impact is another unknown element. Dufresne said a dead salamander has been found at the site, but at this time it is unknown whether it died as a result of the substance or for some other reason. Suncor spokesperson Victoria Barrington said her company is doing all it can to make sure the area is made safe. "The immediate focus all weekend since we discovered the spill has been on ensuring a safe and comprehensive response to the spill and that the surrounding land and area is clean and safe," she said. "The source is not confirmed. The substance, as well, has not been confirmed. We are working with the MOE as well as the Town of Oakville and a third party environmental consultant to determine what it is." Barrington said the Suncor-owned Petro Canada Refinery near Bronte Creek ceased operation in 2005 and now serves as a product terminal where petroleum products are stored prior to delivery to customers and other Suncor facilities. If the Suncor property is found to be the source of the substance, Cozzi said they will be required to prepare a report for the MOE outlining what the substance was, what its characteristics are, how much was spilled and how a similar incident will be prevented in the future. If the source of the substance is determined, the MOE may fine the property owner and action may also be taken under the Town's Storm Sewer bylaw. Cozzi said the substance was not the result of any industrial accident, but rather something that was already in the ground. "There was no refining operation ongoing on that side of the creek, there was no work being done or ongoing operation that went wrong. This stuff was there," said Cozzi. "It has been there for some time and it let go." HEARING AID SPECIAL (Clients portion) *Some Conditions Apply * $ From 295 FACTORY TILE TOUCH! Elegance, Stylish, Sophisticated, or Sleek We can transform any space! We specialize in importing and distributing unique Ceramics, Porcelain, Travertine, Marble, Glass, Custom Medallions and mosiacs from Around the World. GIVE YOUR HOME THE Let our designers and product selection take you to another place. Up to 3 Year Service Warranty Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating 60 DAY GUARANTEE: If after 60 days we have not provided you with the best hearing possible, we will give you your money back... We are an authorized clinic for DVA, WSIB, and Green Shield clients Call 905-827-7333 For a FREE Hearing Test. Age 18+ Tile selection made enjoyable! Factory Tile Depot Hopedale Hearing Clinic In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville · 905-827-7333 www.factorytiledepot.ca SRING 2010 OAKVILLE MAZDA BECOMES