Update: Saskatoon continues to keep water safe

Saskatoon Water would like to provide an update related to a fuel spill April 30 in the South Saskatchewan River far upstream at Medicine Hat, Alberta – not near Leader, Saskatchewan – as originally shared; the City regrets this error.

Saskatoon’s water supply is safe and is expected to remain safe. The following is a statement from the Office of the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas of Alberta.

Alberta’s government received notification that a locomotive was leaking diesel as it left the train yard in Medicine Hat, prompting a response from a local environment officer. Most of the spilled diesel spilled on the ground and a small amount went into the river. 
The health and safety of Albertans, communities and the environment are always our first priority in these situations. Environmental contractors for both land and water remediation were brought in, and a vac truck was used to clean-up the area shortly after the incident. A thorough inspection of the South Saskatchewan River was completed by boat and drone imagery near the release site and more than 30 kilometres downstream. The contractors reported no sheen or minimal sheen where the diesel entered the river, and no diesel was reported further downstream. Water samples were taken both upstream and downstream and have been submitted for testing. 
CPKC* is required to pay for all associated clean-up costs. 

*Canadian Pacific Kansas City rail

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