St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) has confirmed a diesel-water leak into a river near its Cane Hall fuel storage facility during a routine tank cleaning operation on Friday. The incident was caused by a malfunctioning valve that mistakenly directed a mixture of diesel residue and rinse water into the rainwater drainage system, eventually flowing into the nearby river.
The cleaning operation was halted immediately after the issue was detected. VINLEC has since replaced the faulty valve and conducted inspections on all related infrastructure. The company also treated affected soil with Polysorb, an absorbent used to neutralize diesel residue.
Residents in Arnos Vale have reported the smell of fuel, and VINLEC is actively monitoring and investigating these concerns. The utility company has expressed regret for the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to environmental safety and public health.
Further updates are expected as remediation efforts continue.