Westshore Terminals is trying to figure out what is causing high levels of fecal coliform and e-coli to show up in its ditches and reservoirs.
A recent general notice to employees by engineering director Greg Andrew, obtained by the Optimist, notes that test results on the coal facility's recycled water system confirmed the contamination in ditches, sumps and a couple of reservoirs, initially thought due to a break in the sewage discharge line.
Crews undertook some precautionary measures while testing was done, which showed the line had not failed and resulted in the contamination.
An environmental consultant has been hired to help identify the source. In the meantime, the coal terminal has switched to fresh water for all its pollution control options.
According to the notice, the primary infection path is by ingestion, so the likelihood of infection is low with the precautionary measures, including isolating the reservoirs and the use of fresh water. Employees were advised to ensure they wash their hands before eating and be cautious around ditches.
Noting it's under investigation but likely not a major problem, David Crook, manager of engineering, told the Optimist he is not even sure if it's an unusual occurrence because it's something they haven't been testing for previously.
Crook said he doesn't believe the coliform count is due to a new spray system installed to suppress coal dust.
The new system is part of Westshore's $14 million in improvements to its operations, which also include a water recycling system that removes coal solids, allowing the water to be re-used.
Mike Brotherston, Delta's manager of climate action and environment, on Friday said he was unaware if the situation at Westshore, but didn't believe there was any cause for concern for Delta residents because the coal facility's system is isolated.
Originally opened on a much smaller footprint in 1970, Westshore Terminals will spend about $230 million over the next five years for a large-scale equipment upgrade as well as replacement of older buildings. The upgrades will result in extra space available for coal storage of about 135,000 metric tonnes. A new stacker reclaimer and conveyer system, meanwhile, will operate more efficiently, thereby improving throughput capacity.
The latest financials state Westshore in the first quarter of 2014 shipped 6.9 million tonnes, compared with 6.1 million tonnes during the same period in 2013. Of the tonnes shipped in the first quarter of this year, 42 per cent was thermal coal, 57 per cent was metallurgical coal Westshore is anticipating coal volumes for 2014 to be approximately 31 to 32 million tonnes, compared to 30.1 million tonnes handled last year.
