Fuel spill estimate jumps to over 80,000 litres after Kamloops train derailment

A Canadian Pacific Kansas City train derailment on November 1 led to the release of over 80,000 litres of jet fuel into Kamloops Lake, prompting significant environmental concerns. The Environmental Emergency Branch reported that the incident involved one locomotive and approximately 17 rail cars, including those carrying aviation fuel and gypsum. Initial estimates of the spill were revised after further assessments revealed a total of 80,700 litres of fuel released. Cleanup operations included the removal of fuel from a rail car and the deployment of containment booms to prevent further spread. Local officials, especially Michael Grenier, expressed urgency in testing water quality for community systems downstream, which are only seven kilometers from the spill site.

The province is awaiting results from surface water quality tests that were forwarded to the Interior Health Authority. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has initiated an investigation into the derailment's cause. Ongoing response efforts aim to ensure the safety of the local water supply and mitigate environmental damage.