UPDATE - Students receiving bottled water after Milton oil leak

Board Communications Officer, Paul Shields said they were expecting to receive test results by tomorrow (Jan. 11) from water samples that were taken.

“The school's well is located uphill and some distance from the site of the leak. We have no reason to believe the safety of the water supply has been compromised. However, as a precaution, we are both conducting tests and providing bottled water to the school for human consumption until such time as our water test results confirm the safety of the well.”

A custodian at the school discovered the leak Jan. 2, which was reported to the Department of Environment and Labour for direction in the current clean-up operation, according to a South Shore Regional School Board release.

In the meantime, the three existing tanks have been replaced with two temporary tanks.

Shields added, “Once test results of soil in the immediate vicinity of the leak show no contamination, we will be drilling test wells at other locations on the property.”

He said this is being done to ensure the contamination hasn’t spread underground. At present, the excavation work has reached the school’s footings. Contaminated soil has been found so the work is continuing.

Principal Pat Morash said the odour was strong but “not enough to cause anyone discomfort.” She said it was, at times when people entered the building, no worse than being at a gas station.

She praised the board’s response.

“They were quick, efficient and looked after the matter.”

The board has contracted Jacques Whitford Limited to direct the clean-up and tests.

Contaminated soil is being taken, under permit, to the Queens County landfill.

Shields added, “The Department of Environment and Labour is satisfied with the steps we are taking and the process we are following, and we are in regular contact with them.”