How TRCA Manages Spills in Our Watersheds

When it comes to threats against our natural environment, spills of pollutants are among first things that come to mind.

Managing spills is a complex process that can involve many stakeholders working together.

Though the primary responsibility lies with the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP), Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has extensive knowledge and expertise that enables us to play a vital role in protecting against the dangers that spills pose to our ecosystems.

When faced with a spill, TRCA relies on an internal response protocol that ensures swift and effective action.

This protocol is all about quick assessment, coordination between departments, and collaboration with external stakeholders. It’s our way of ensuring that we are always ready to tackle head-on any spills that threaten our environment.

These examples highlight the complexity and urgency of managing spills:

Fuel Spill at Glenn Haffy Conservation Area

In March 2017, a fuel tanker rollover on Highway 9 near Caledon, ON caused a spill of approximately 30,000 litres of fuel, posing a threat to Glen Haffy Conservation Area, a watercourse, and a nearby wetland.

Soil excavation to remove hydrocarbon-impacted soil and groundwater resulting from spills adjacent to Highway 9

Soil excavation to remove hydrocarbon-impacted soil and groundwater adjacent to Highway 9.

TRCA staff provided on-site advice for both initial cleanup efforts and ongoing monitoring, and played an essential role alongside other organizations on a provincial team focused on cleanup and restoration to ensure the area’s total recovery.

site of the Highway 9 fuel spill is now stabilized and restored with clean fill materials and native species — The site has been stabilized and restored with clean fill materials and native species.

Oil Leak at Scarborough Bluffers Park

When an abandoned boat started leaking oil in the boat launch area of Scarborough Bluffers Park in late February of 2022, TRCA was called upon for expertise.

TRCA’s Aquatic Monitoring & Management team and its Restoration and Infrastructure division collaborated to take immediate measures to prevent the spread of contaminants, protecting local wildlife and water quality.

abandoned boat at Bluffers Park in Scarborough leaks oil into the surrounding waters — The abandoned vessel was partially sunk at the boat launch area of Bluffers Park in Scarborough. The hydrocarbon materials were spreading, and the contaminated water surface areas were contaminated, harming the waterfowl.

Collaborating with federal and provincial partners and the Toronto Wildlife Centre, TRCA closely monitored the wildlife populations and coordinated responses with various agencies. This included using coloured ribbons as a deterrent to keep birds away from the contaminated site.

The vessel was eventually successfully removed, and TRCA followed up by removing the previously installed wildlife deterrents once it was safe to enjoy the waters once again.

coloured ribbons can be used to keep birds away from a site where there are spills — TRCA staff deployed coloured ribbons as a deterrent measure for keeping birds away from the site.

These incidents demonstrate that spills require a collaborative, organized approach from various experts.

Our ecosystems are fragile and complex, but TRCA, alongside our partners across all levels of government, continues to work to preserve the natural beauty of our region and to safeguard the well-being of both wildlife and communities.