Stirling – Hundreds of litres of diesel spill were spilled into Rawdon Creek early Monday morning after the fuel was accidentally pumped onto the ground at the Stirling Creamery.

The fuel was pumped from a tank onsite at the creamery and ran down the sloped parking lot into the creek, which runs beside the creamery on East Front Street.

Michel Finn, communications officer for the Ministry of the Environment, said Monday that an estimated 800 to 1,000 litres of diesel fuel entered the water.

The incident happened around 4:45 a.m.

Finn said two teams from the ministry were at the scene along with water surface experts Scott Integrated Environmental Services, which was using tanker trucks with hoses, as well as absorbent pads, to remove fuel from the surface water.

Finn said the ministry teams were on hand “to ensure the company is taking the appropriate actions, and to give guidance.

“They will continue to be in contact until the situation is resolved.”

Finn added that when spills occur it’s not only the quantity of fuel that determines the severity of the spill, but also the environmental conditions.

“Everything has to be put into perspective,” he said. “The good news is that they haven’t seen any signs of dead fish, and that’s encouraging.”

The Municipality of Stirling-Rawdon issued a press release that said four municipal drinking wells, located south of Elizabeth Street, were tested Monday afternoon, and it was determined that “impacts to the municipal drinking water system are not anticipated.”

Stirling Creamery general manager Bill West said the business is “taking full responsibility” for the spill.

“Every effort is being made to ensure a quick and complete resolution to this situation,” he said in a press release.

“Stirling Creamery has had an excellent environment record in the past and will strive to continue being a conscientious and concerned protector of our natural environment,” he added.