Trudeau grilled on acid spill

Photo: The Canadian Press

South Okanagan-West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings questioned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wednesday about the Transport Canada investigation into a pair of sulfuric acid spills in Trail last spring.

As many as 1,000 vehicles were damaged as a result of the spills April 10 and May 23, spilling from Westcan Bulk transport trucks leaving the Teck smelter. A smaller spill then followed in September.

“Is Transport Canada investigating these acid spills?” Cannings asked Trudeau. “What enforcement actions will it take to resolve the issues faced by local residents and governments?”

The Prime Minister replied that they  have “obviously” been taking the situation seriously, and that Transport Canada was looking into it.

In a news release, Cannings said he was passing on concerns from local first responders, who feel they are not equipped to deal with such hazardous spills.

“Regrettably, the closest teams are in Kamloops, Kelowna and Calgary placing our first responders and citizens in hazardous situations,” said Cannings.

The Trail Fire Department lost one of its fire trucks in the spill, he noted.

“We look to Transport Canada to help investigate, enforce, and resolve events like this,” added Roly Russell, Chair of the Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary, “and hope to see our Federal-Local partnership deliver these needs for our community.”

ICBC has announced plans to sue whoever is deemed to be responsible for the spills.