People not at risk after diesel spill in Vancouver: deputy city manager

VANCOUVER – Between 30 and 1,000 litres of diesel have spilled into Vancouver's False Creek, apparently from a boat, says the deputy city manager.

Sadhu Johnston said there is no significant human health risk from the spill, adding residents who smell fuel should close their windows and turn off air conditioners.

The Canadian Coast Guard alerted the city to the spill around 2:30 a.m. Monday, and Sadhu said crews were working it have it cleaned up by the end of the day.

About 300 metres of containment boom were set up near Granville Island, and crews were skimming the water and using absorbent pads to clean up the fuel, said Jeff Brady, a spokesman for the coast guard.

Based on the smell and appearance, crews believe the fuel is diesel, and crews are trying to determine where it came from, Brady said.

Most of it has already been cleaned up or has evaporated, and crews have been going up and down False Creek to ensure there isn't any fuel in other areas, he said.

Johnston said communication between the city and the coast guard has improved since a spill earlier this year, when a container ship leaked more than 2,500 litres of oil into English Bay.

"We're still working on our notification protocol, but it's gotten a lot better," Johnston said. "Clearly, the coast guard has recognized the importance of collaborating and communicating with the municipality. So we really appreciate that. And now we want to refine that."