Hub Oil Explosion - Site Remediation

Site Remediation

Following the fire, Hub Oil remained operational on a reduced basis (collection, storage and dispatching) until 2001, at which time the Company voluntarily shut down the business with the intention of promoting urban renewal. The site was cleared of all unusable structures and damaged oil tanks. Extensive soil, groundwater and soil vapor testing was begun immediately by WorleyParsons Komex and continues to this day. In 2003, a groundwater treatment system was voluntarily installed to prevent possible offsite migration of contaminants. At no time has the Company been under a directive from Alberta Environment as a result of non-compliance under the Environmental Enhancement and Protection Act. Under questioning in the legislature in June 2007, Minister of the Environment Rob Renner stated, “Hub Oil is working with Alberta Environment, with the various stakeholders... As long as they continue to own that land, as long as they put in place the necessary provisions to ensure that any contamination does not go beyond the land in question, they’re not in contravention of our legislation.”

During this time, numerous public meetings were held to keep the community up to date with Hub Oil’s remediation plans. From these meetings, a permanent Stakeholder Group (composed of members of the community, the regulating agencies and elected officials) was established to ensure that the reclamation plan was acceptable and complete.

In April 2008, Alberta Environment approved Hub Oil’s Remediation and Reclamation plan. The plan includes the presently operating water containment system, a proposed 1.2 metre clay cap over the site, and extensive groundwater and soil vapour monitoring, testing and reporting for the next 10 years. The plan also calls for continued reporting to Stakeholders as the Company proceeds with development of the site to ensure that they are kept current.