Correction: QEC’s November report indicated a leak of 15,000-20,000 litres of propylene glycol. A previous version of this story contained an inaccurate detail.
Qulliq Energy Corporation anticipates having a contractor in Rankin Inlet from July 23-27 to investigate a propylene glycol leak that occurred last fall.
image courtesy of Qulliq Energy Corporation
The power corporation indicated Monday that 30,000-40,000 litres of a 50/50 propylene glycol and water mixture leaked from a buried portion of the district heating system as a result of equipment failure. Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) initially reported detection of the leak last November.
Propylene glycol is a clear, odourless, tasteless liquid found in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and is “relatively non-toxic to humans and wildlife,” according to the power corporation’s news release.
“The corporation’s Health, Safety and Environment Department will examine the results of the investigation to determine the next steps required for environmental due diligence,” the news release reads. “QEC apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.”