Small leak of process water at oil refinery in Burnaby, B.C., is contained: operator

BURNABY — The operator of a fuel refinery in Burnaby, B.C., says a small leak of “process water” at its tank farm involving hydrogen sulphide has stabilized significantly and is now contained.

Sunoco LP says in a statement that the leak happened overnight, but it does not say what set off the problem.

It says the company immediately activated its emergency procedures, while Burnaby Fire deployed air monitoring equipment early Monday morning.

Health Canada says hydrogen sulphide smells of rotten eggs and can be toxic but has many natural sources, including volcanoes, hot springs and crude oil deposits.

Confederation Park near the tank farm was closed to the public during the leak, but Sunoco says it has since been reopened.

The refinery produces about 30 per cent of all transportation fuel used in B.C.

The former Parkland refinery, before Sunoco LP took over the operation last year, had previously released a noxious odour during another leak in January 2024 caused by unusually cold weather disrupting operations.

The company says it’s working with emergency responders and is continuously monitoring conditions.

“All required safety and environmental protocols are being followed, and the appropriate regulatory agencies and stakeholders have been notified,” it said Monday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2026.

The Canadian Press