Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) would like to inform the residents of Rankin Inlet that an environmental investigation along Kivalliq Street has been completed. Propylene glycol was below laboratory detection limits in soil, groundwater and surface water where sampling took place.
The environmental investigation was completed following a leak in the corporation’s district heating system in fall 2019. Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 litres of a propylene glycol and water mixture leaked from a section of pipeline connected to the Kivalliq Health Centre as a result of equipment failure. Frozen ground conditions prevented the investigation from taking place until summer 2020.
Based on the results of the environmental investigation, residual propylene glycol impacts do not appear to be present and no remedial action was recommended by the contractor. Propylene glycol is relatively non-toxic to humans and wildlife, and is used in district heating because of its ability to transfer heat. QEC has provided the results of the investigation to appropriate authorities for review.
QEC safely took the health centre’s district heating system out of operation when the leak was discovered. The corporation will assess the pipeline and decide whether to decommission or repair the district heat system in this area. The corporation makes every effort to limit its environmental footprint and openly communicate with Nunavut’s communities.
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Media Contact:
Renee Boucher
Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Qulliq Energy Corporation
(867) 979-7524
rboucher@qec.nu.ca