Aamjiwnaang First Nation feels left in the dark after Suncor oil spill in St. Clair River in Sarnia

It’s been eight days since Suncor’s Sarnia refinery reported an oil spill into the St. Clair River, and it remains unclear what caused the pipeline leak, how much got into the water — and where cleanup efforts are at.

The company said the leak was discovered around 6 p.m. Mar. 11 as part of “regular monitoring,” and that it was contained with booms and vacuum equipment. 

CBC News has requested an update from Suncor, but has yet to receive a reply.

Its fence line is beside Aamjiwnaang First Nation, where more than 1,000 people live. Another 1,600 non-residents are members of the band.

Chief Janelle Nahmabin feels like they are being kept in the dark. 

“The whole community is wondering what are the next steps,” Nahmabin told CBC News Thursday. “There is a lack of communication. The best path forward that we see is that we form some kind of communication strategy, some kind of a relationship agreement.”

Nahmabin says the band leadership held a community meeting Wednesday.

“We’re going to continue to demand accountability and answers to outstanding questions. I don’t understand why we haven’t been informed of … the amount, how large the spill. None of those things have been communicated to us.”

Nahmabin is also calling for truck traffic to be diverted around the reserve, as she expects an increase because of the affected pipeline.

Ontario’s environment ministry says Suncor remains responsible for cleanup activities — and that no downstream effects were expected to the river or municipal water system. 

Nahmabin says she’s received one phone call from Suncor. However, she would prefer email correspondence in the future.

“I want to make sure that we’re receiving all of the correct information and [it’s] important for us to keep that communication in mind from all parties to leadership, as well as our emergency control group internally.”

According to Nahmabin, Aamjiwnaang has its own pipeline permit policy that was established to recognize gaps and lack of maintenance and environmental oversight.

“We need to address those gaps … Having our own internal permit policy helps us understand how many pipelines run through our community, so that we can be aware of maintenance schedules and when the access is needed to maintain those lines. We’re wanting to work with all parties so we can address these gaps.”

The federal government says Ontario’s environment ministry is leading the response, as it relates to technical and scientific advice.

“Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) takes pollution incidents and threats to the environment very seriously,” spokesperson Hannah Boonstra said in an emailed statement.

“If enforcement officers find evidence of an alleged violation, they will take appropriate action in accordance with the compliance and enforcement policy for habitat and pollution provisions of [the] Fisheries Act.”