Defective safety valve, improper training to blame for Agnico Eagle diesel spill

Adefective safety valve and employees who were not properly trained areto blame for a 30,000 litre diesel spill at Agnico Eagle's Meliadinemine site, according to preliminary findings of an internal investigation into the leak.

The company announced the findings in an information bulletinFriday. Cleanup crews have been working at the site, near the Nunavut community of Rankin Inlet,since the fuel leaked from a hose connected to a 100,000-litre fuel storage tank on April 8.

• Cleanup continues after diesel spill at Agnico Eagle facility near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
• 30,000 litres of fuel spilled at Agnico Eagle facility near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut

"Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the spill occurred due to a defective safety valve on the storage tank, as well as inadequate operating procedures and insufficient training," the bulletin reads. "Agnico Eagle has begun implementing corrective measures."

Agnico Eagle originally said that the spill was expected to be cleaned up early lastweek, but blizzard conditions delayed cleanup from April 11 to April 13. Cleanup is expected to be completed this week.

According to the site's general manager, the diesel did not reach any freshwater, and material affected by the spill has been excavated.

In the bulletin, Agnico Eagle said they would provide another update once the cleanup has been completed.