Shade’s Mills reservoir not adversely impacted by jet fuel spill

Based on reports provided by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and consultation with Region of Waterloo Public Health, there is no risk associated with the jet fuel spill contamination at Shade’s Mills reservoir. This includes recreational activities such as fishing, boating and swimming.

Agencies including the Grand River Conservation Authority, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Water Services departments, Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health Unit, City of Cambridge and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have been in communication with MECP about the jet fuel spill assessment and impacts as well as ongoing monitoring/ sampling.

On January 13, 2019, a tanker truck carrying jet fuel was involved in a collision, spilling jet fuel onto Highway 401 and into Aberfoyle and Mill creeks, upstream of Shade’s Mills reservoir in Cambridge. The reservoir is located approximately 15 km from the Highway 401 spill location.

In an abundance of caution, the Grand River Conservation Authority advised park visitors not to participate in water-contact activities such as swimming, boating or fishing until a full assessment of the reservoir could be completed following the spill.

Under the Environmental Protection Act, the lead agency in the event of a spill is the MECP. It is responsible for oversight of the clean-up, assessment, sampling, and monitoring. Further questions relating to the spill may be directed to the MECP Guelph District Office directly at 1-800-265-8658.

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Media Contacts:

Cam Linwood, GRCA Communications Coordinator
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager of Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca