The extent of an oil pipeline leak in Sarnia, Ont., is still uncertain days after it was first reported, prompting a nearby First Nation to call for transparency.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation is seeking information regarding a spill that occurred on March 11 along the southern fence line of Suncor’s Sarnia refinery, which borders its reserve.
In a news release, the First Nation stated that reports have confirmed fuel products leaked into both the ground and the St. Clair River.
“There is no end in sight. No cause of the leak has been reported to Aamjiwnaang, and we still do not know how large of a spill occurred,” read the First Nation’s statement Tuesday.
“Aamjiwnaang demands answers.”
Suncor mentioned that its initial investigation suggested the source of the release might involve a third party.
Sun-Canadian, which manages a refined oil pipeline from Sarnia to Toronto, said it became aware of the suspected release on March 12 and began investigating its system.
In a statement, it noted “containment and recovery measures have been deployed,” but did not immediately answer questions about the size or origin of the leak.
Ontario’s regulator confirmed it was looking into a “hydrocarbon spill” reported on March 11 from a licensed pipeline in Sarnia. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority stated that the affected section has been shut down and investigations are ongoing.
The mayor of Sarnia, known for being a hub for pipelines transporting much of Ontario and Quebec’s crude oil, expressed he had yet to receive direct communication from those involved companies.
Mayor Mike Bradley indicated that while companies were in contact with the fire chief over technical matters, there has been insufficient public communication regarding responsibility and actions being taken.
“We haven’t had spills in the river here of any substance for quite some time. And we’re very proud of that,” Bradley said in an interview Thursday.
“So when you get one like this, it creates negativity that’s not needed right now.”
Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks stated it was overseeing cleanup efforts and had been communicating with local communities including Aamjiwnaang and Walpole Island First Nation.
The ministry added that steps were being taken to clean up the spill while ensuring there were no adverse effects on the St. Clair River, which runs along Ontario’s border with Michigan.
“Suncor and Sun-Canadian Pipeline are also working together to develop a detailed excavation and execution plan. The ministry continues to assess information provided by these companies to determine if compliance actions are necessary,” it said in a written statement.
This report by The Canadian Press was first March 19, 2026.
Jordan Omstead, The Canadian Press
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