Minister outlines measures taken following fuel release in Woodstock

Press Release

April 8, 2025

FREDERICTON – The following statement was issued by Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage concerning the release of fuel from a business in Woodstock:

In the wake of receiving further information last week from Irving Oil Ltd. on the circumstances of the spill, the department is conducting a provincewide inspection of retail outlets to confirm regulatory compliance and to ensure that site owners have proper measures in place for detecting and managing petroleum product spills.

The department has conducted hundreds of inspections related to petroleum systems in recent years, however the current exercise is in addition to those efforts.

The diesel release at Beardsley Road Irving was discovered in December and was the result of a crack in a remote fill elbow, which has since been decommissioned. The petroleum systems at this location were tested to ensure that there were no other leaks prior to the retail outlet reopening to the public. The department continues to investigate the circumstances around the cause of the diesel release.

Remedial work continues around the clock at the site to contain and clean up the affected area. Results to date show no impacts to off-site potable wells or to the nearby wetland.

The department, which meets regularly with Irving Oil Ltd. and its consultants, has responded to concerns from the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick, the mayor of Woodstock, the local MLA and members of the public.

The department has taken the following actions:

• Identified Irving Oil Ltd. as the responsible party.
• Required Irving Oil Ltd. to immediately hire a site professional to oversee emergency response and cleanup.

It will also:

• Continue to investigate the incident to determine if there were any violations of environmental legislation.
• Ensure Irving Oil Ltd. continues to comply with environmental legislation, including petroleum-handling and -storage regulation.
• Ensure the site professional is carrying out assessment activities in accordance with the department’s contaminated sites regulation.

I understand the community’s concerns, and, as the investigation progresses, I will continue to provide regular updates.

Media Contact(s)

Vicky Lutes, communications,
Department of Environment and Local Government,
vicky.lutes@gnb.ca.

ILR5