Nearby Tim Hortons remains closed as crews work around the clock to mitigate diesel release at Murray’s Irving Truck Stop and Restaurant
A month after it occurred, details about a significant diesel spill at a popular gas station, truck stop, and restaurant in Woodstock began to leak.
A spokesperson for Irving Oil confirmed in an email response to questions from the River Valley Sun that a “product release” occurred at the Beardsley Road business on Dec. 12.
Katherine d’Entremont from Irving Corporate Communications added that the company successfully stopped fuel release and is working with experts to address cleanup efforts.
“As we previously shared with neighbours in the area of our Murray’s Truck Stop location, a product release was identified on site in December,” wrote d’Entremont. “Working with third-party experts, containment began immediately and all appropriate authorities were notified.”
A New Brunswick Department of Environment spokesperson said environment officials are aware of the diesel spill.
“The Department of Environment and Local Government was made aware of a fuel release in Lower Woodstock on December 12 and can confirm that it was a diesel release from the Irving station,” said department communications official Vicky Lutes.
While Murray’s Truck Stop and Restaurant reopened for business as the massive cleanup operation continues around them, the Tim Hortons franchise, which shares the same lot, remains closed since mid-December.
Tim Hortons franchise owner Ian MacDougall directed the River Valley Sun to Tim Hortons’ media inquiries for comment.
“The Tim Hortons on Beardsley Road is currently closed due to an issue with another neighbouring business,” wrote Tim Hortons Media Relations in response to inquiries from the River Valley Sun. “We encourage guests to visit one of the other nearby Tims restaurants including at 667 Main St or 360 Connell St.”
While Tim Hortons offers no further details, CBC reported the Beardsley Road franchise does not plan to reopen until May 29.
Meanwhile, mitigation efforts continue as trucks, tankers and heavy equipment operate around the truck stop.
In a social media post, someone described the industrial-type activity around the business, suggesting it indicates a significant leak.
“Six tanker trucks are actively sucking up with hoses in the ditch, and another two are parked waiting their turn, another large tanker parked, several tandem dump trucks, a couple of pieces of heavy machinery digging in the parking area between the Murray’s building and the Tim Hortons,” he said. “(There are) more than a dozen people in hard hats visible, and this is about three weeks after the problem first became public.”
Several property owners and residents near the Beardsley Road business, along with regular Tim’s customers, raised concerns with River Valley Sun about their water supplies and potential consumption of tainted products due to the diesel spill.
Many questioned the delays by Irving Oil and government officials to inform the public about the situation.
When they finally responded to media inquiries, Irving and government officials claimed public safety was top of mind during mitigation efforts.
“The release of product is no longer occurring and we are continuing to work diligently to address this matter with remediation specialists and external authorities,” d’Entremont explained. “This work includes well testing on our site, as well as inviting immediate neighbours to have voluntary tests completed on their wells out of an abundance of caution. We have also made a supply of bottled water available to these neighbours.”
The Department of Environment said Irving Oil is responsible for cleanup efforts and working with experts to ensure public safety.
“Irving Oil Ltd. is the party responsible for the contaminated site and remedial actions were immediately implemented at the site and they continue,” said Lutes in an email. “Measures have been put in place to ensure there is no risk to human health.”
Irving Oil explained it successfully reopened its gas bar, truck stop and Murray’s Restaurant with support from the Town of Woodstock.
“At this time, a separate supply of water is being provided to Murray’s Truck Stop from the Town of Woodstock water system and all operations on site are open,” explained d’Entremont. “The safety of our customers and our communities is our highest priority and we want to assure all who visit our site that all requirements have been met to ensure their experience at Murray’s is safe.”
d’Entremont stressed the company puts its relationship with the community at the forefront of its efforts.
“We value the relationships we have with our customers, our communities, and the environment in which we operate, and we appreciate the work of all involved.”
