Bluefish Hydro Hydraulic Fluid Spill

Yellowknife (July 12, 2005) On late Sunday, July 10, 2005, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) experienced a hydraulic fluid spill when a hydraulic seal failed at the Bluefish Hydro Plant. The majority of the hydraulic fluid was contained within the plant but some escaped into the water.

The plant was shutdown by staff when they recognized that the hydraulic fluid level was low. NTPC staff immediately deployed absorbent booms in the bay to contain the fluid. To further ensure the safety of the river an additional absorbent boom was placed on the river. Absorbent material and booms have been used by NTPC staff to recover the fluid and water samples have been taken and sent for testing.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) were advised of the spill on Sunday and visited the site on Monday, July 11. INAC was satisfied with NTPC’s response and recovery efforts concerning the spill.

As of today the clean up is continuing and is expected to be completed by tomorrow. INAC will visit the site for a final inspection once the clean up is completed. The volume of the fluid spilled is between 150 and 200 litres. The incident is still under investigation.

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For more information, contact:
Randy Patrick, Regional Director of the North Slave
(867) 669-3301