The emergency response and follow up remediation at the Westridge release site were effective in removing the released oil from the environment and limiting the short-term and long-term effects of the spill. 

By 2011, most of the recovery endpoints established for the spill had been met (water quality in 2007; intertidal sediment quality, PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon) levels in crab and intertidal community structure in 2011). In 2012, PAH levels in mussels collected at Westridge had not yet met the endpoint; however, results are confounded due to the influence of PAHs from unrelated, third-party sources such as urban runoff and vessel traffic; monitoring of this component continues. Intertidal communities in two areas near the terminal were disturbed in 2007 by removal of oiled vegetation; although community structure (dominated by the seaweed Fucus, with associated benthic invertebrates) has recovered, monitoring will continue to assess variability in the affected areas.

Summary of Cleanup and Effects of the 2007 Spill of Oil from the Trans Mountain Pipeline to Burrard Inlet (download pdf) has been prepared as a summary that describes the clean up, effects, and long-term monitoring program results from the oil spill that resulted from a third-party strike to the Trans Mountain pipeline owned and operated by Kinder Morgan Canada (KMC).

The fact sheet summarizes the activities and environmental conditions associated with the spill for the foreshore area, which was the main marine area affected. Information is provided about:

  • The oil release, immediate spill responses and subsequent remediation activities
  • Short-term effects of the spill
  • Establishment of endpoints for recovery
  • Long-term monitoring as follow-up for the spill and attainment of recovery endpoints
  • A summary of response activities and effects on Kask Creek
  • Recommendations for spill preparedness
  • A list of reports documenting the environmental impacts, endpoints for recovery and long-term monitoring.

This work was incorporated during a review of KMC's emergency response plans for existing operations, and is being used by our Trans Mountain Expansion Project team to update Emergency Response Plans for the proposed Expansion Project.