The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks now says more than 80,000 litres of aviation fuel may have spilled into Kamloops Lake following a Canadian Pacific Kansas City train derailment near Cherry Creek over the weekend.

The derailment occurred around 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, involving one locomotive and approximately 17 rail cars. Two of the cars were carrying aviation fuel, and preliminary estimates indicate a total of 80,700 litres was released into the environment.

Cleanup and Containment

CPKC crews, including environmental teams, are on site working with B.C. Environment and Parks and other partners to contain the spill and clean up the rail cars. The ministry says the leak has been contained, and peat moss has been applied to help absorb fuel on the water and shoreline. Containment booms were also deployed to prevent further spread.

Initial surface water samples have been collected and are undergoing expedited analysis. Results will guide further sampling and response actions. At this stage, the ministry says the risk to water quality is considered localized and is being actively managed.

Local Concerns and Water Safety

Michael Grenier, director for Area J of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, said the TNRD learned early Wednesday that roughly 80,000 litres of aviation fuel had been released — far higher than the 12,700 litres initially reported. The figure was determined after crews pumped the fuel from the cars and calculated the difference between what was in the rail cars and what was recovered.

Grenier said deep water testing has been conducted at water intakes in Savona, Tobiano, Walhachin, and Thompson Rivers Estates, and results are expected soon. Tobiano’s water intake has been temporarily shut off as a precaution, but its reservoir can supply the community for several days. For the small seasonal community of Frederick, Interior Health has advised residents to drink bottled water, which CPKC is providing. “Our focus is on our constituents’ security of water sources and the immediate cleanup of our environment,” Grenier said. “This is Kamloops Lake. It’s an important body of water for our fish and our fauna. We’re all very keenly waiting for these results from the Ministry and from the railway.”

Grenier also noted that there was a similar 14-car derailment nearby a few months ago, but it is unclear whether the two incidents are related.

Investigation and Next Steps

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating the cause of the derailment. Meanwhile, CPKC says the rail corridor has reopened for train traffic following safety inspections. “The railway has been cooperative in doing the things that they’re told to do,” Grenier said, “but we want to escalate the testing results and have clarity on what now has to be done, given the quantum has increased.”

The polluter is responsible for cleanup and safety precautions under Canadian law, guided by the Ministry of Environment. Grenier said the TNRD is coordinating with both federal and provincial representatives to ensure proper oversight and prompt water testing results.

For ongoing updates, the Ministry of Environment and Parks is posting information at: B.C. Government – Spill Incidents.