Heating fuel spill in Baker Lake

Press Release

April 15, 2025

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut’s (TIN) Petroleum Products Division (PPD) is advising Baker Lake residents that a heating fuel spill occurred on April 4, 2025, at the tank farm. An estimated 96 litres of fuel spilled as a result of human error while filling a fuel delivery truck.

The contractor responsible for the fuel spill is working under the direction of the regulator, the Department of Environment, to contain the spill and remediate the area. The Government of Nunavut became aware of the fuel spill on April 9. PPD is providing additional oversight through the work of an environmental specialist who is being dispatched to the tank farm property.

The fuel spill occurred downstream from the raw water intake for the Baker Lake water treatment plant (WTP). While hydrocarbon testing is a part of routine water sample testing, TIN has increased monitoring during remediation efforts.

Water sample analysis of both raw and treated drinking water is completed by a qualified independent laboratory. Test results are provided directly to the drinking water regulator, the Department of Health, who actively monitoring and ensuring the safety of the community drinking water supply.

The community is asked to continue following the current boil water advisory put in place on February 26, 2025. Residents will be updated of any changes.

Residents of Baker Lake will continue to be informed of as more information becomes available.

Contact

Greg Belanger
Manager, Policy, Legislation and Communications
Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut.
867-975-5465
TINComms@gov.nu.ca

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