Kitchener-Waterloo

Ice fishing at Shade's Mill cancelled after 401 jet fuel spill

Jet fuel that made its way into Aberfoyle Creek in Cambridge after a tanker truck crash may have moved further downstream in Mill Creek than initially thought, the GRCA says. As a precaution, ice fishing on the Shade's Mill reservoir has been cancelled this weekend.

GRCA cancels ice fishing 'until the impact of the fuel spill on the reservoir is determined'

A tanker truck spilled jet fuel on Highway 401 following a crash on Jan. 13. Now, officials with the Grand River Conservation Authority say the Shade's Mill reservoir will be closed to ice fishing this winter because the fuel 'migrated further downstream in Mill Creek than originally understood.' (Ontario Provincial Police/Sgt. Kerry Schmidt/Twitter)

Jet fuel that made its way into Aberfoyle Creek in Cambridge after a tanker truck crash may have moved further downstream in Mill Creek than initially thought, the GRCA says.

As a precaution, ice fishing on the Shade's Mill reservoir has been cancelled. 

The jet fuel spilled across Highway 401 after a crash between the tanker truck carrying 50,000 litres of jet fuel and a passenger vehicle around 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 13.

The spilled fuel made its way into Aberfoyle Creek and has made its way as far as Mill Creek.

Booms have been deployed in Shade's Mill reservoir. As well, the region closed at least two wells as a precautionary measure.

"GRCA staff have been advised by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) that the contaminants from the jet fuel spill on Sunday have migrated further downstream in Mill Creek than originally understood," the GRCA said in a release.

It means the GRCA is cancelling ice fishing on the reservoir until furuther notice.

"As a precaution, ice fishing will not be offered this season until the impact of the fuel spill on the reservoir is determined," the GRCA said.