Dozens of violations found at fuel retailers across N.B. after Irving spill: environment minister

New Brunswick is continuing its inspection of all fuel stations.

A second phase of a provincewide inspection of retail fuel outlets, which was triggered by an Irving diesel spill in December 2024, has been completed in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage says the second phase consisted of 91 inspections and resulted in 47 violations.

In a release, LePage said the inspections were sparked by the diesel spill at the Beardsley Road Irving Station in Woodstock. So far, 189,000 litres of diesel have been found as a result of that spill.

This second phase of inspections began in April, and non-compliances were found at 47 sites, including “unlicensed sites, failure to display owner/operator information, use of hold-open devices, unregistered tanks and improper storage tank labelling.”

“These findings prompted enforcement actions by the department, including the issuance of tickets and compliance plans. Additional inspections will continue,” LePage said in the release.

LePage wasn’t made available for an interview Wednesday on the topic.

A resident who lives next to the diesel spill says it’s been frustrating to try and get information on the health and safety of his property or well water.

Verne Beers told CTV News any time he tries to get information from the Department, he says he’s been told to ask Irving Oil instead.

“I wouldn’t want to have to be in a position to sell this place,” he said. “I have a feeling the value wasn’t where it was a year ago.”

Beers says he and his neighbours are still shocked by the spill.

“When you stop and think about the dollar value that was lost,” he said. “To have that big a loss and not know about it until it comes out in the coffee cup, makes you wonder about the system.”

The first phase of inspections resulted in 14 violations from 30 inspections.

The province and Irving Oil have said the spill, which was caused by a crack in a remote fill elbow, hasn’t impacted nearby potable wells or wetlands.

But no timeline has been given for when the cleanup will be completed.

The department pledged to inspect every gas retailer in the province.

The release says Irving continues to conduct remediation activities to clean up the spill. Groundwater monitoring and remediation equipment is being retrofitted so it can continue operating through the winter.

The Tim Hortons location next to the Irving gas station has reopened, after being closed for months after the spill was officially discovered.

“The department, which continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the release, is also ensuring that Irving Oil Ltd. is complying with environmental legislation, including the Petroleum Product Storage and Handling Regulation,” the minister stated.

CTV News asked the company if the owners of that location have been compensated for the lost business.

Tim Hortons media relations responded only saying they could have opened sooner, but chose to remain closed until it was assured service could continue in the long-term with the same high standards set for all Tim Hortons restaurants.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.