Rain washes waste into creek

This weekend’s torrential downpour did more than just dampen the spirits of summer vacationers. They also raised concerns about water contamination.

The massive downpour Sunday and Monday across parts of the GTA has some residents in Oakville worried about the runoff in their neighbourhood creek.

This is Morrison creek. A small tributary that winds through southeast Oakville. Yesterday, following a torrential rainstorm, the swollen creek turned a murky brown and began to emit a foul odour.

Residents believe oil from the nearby CN Rail yard leaked into the creek, contaminating the water and the creeks banks.

Nick Robulack, homeowner: “Well it looks like CN Rail said that they had a spillage of oil and stuff and looking at the creek you can tell they say there’s only about 50 to 100 litres but you can tell there’s quite a bit more. There’s massive staining and a smell. It’s not so bad now but yesterday it was terrible.”

We couldn’t get anyone from CN to speak on camera but they did issue this statement. They said due to yesterday’s rainfall, 50 to 100 litres of used oil was pushed out from product drip trays at this refuelling station. The oil and water is usually separated but the heavy rainfall caused the water to overflow into a culvert and into Morrison Creek. CN says it is also working with the city and the Ministry of the Environment to ensure that all environmental issues are addressed.

Ian Blane, Homeowner: “It’s a natural habitat we have a lot of wildlife actually in our backyard and everyone here enjoys their backyards as well unfortunately there is no wildlife to be found.  So obviously something like this has a great impact on our community.”

CN officials say they have removed any residual oil from the yard drip trays and have put booms and absorbent pads in the creek to stop any further flow of used oil.