Island family hit with $345,000 bill from P.E.I. government after oil spill

An Island family in Sherbrooke, just outside Summerside, has been dealt a devastating blow after being handed a $345,915 environmental cleanup bill by the P.E.I. government. Betty and Kenny Waite, both in their late 60s, are struggling to come to terms with the huge financial burden placed on them. The hefty bill stems from a full tank of home heating oil leaking into their clay basement and seeping into the soil on their property.

The Waite family first discovered the leak in September 2023, the morning after their 1,100-litre tank was filled. They suspect that a hole in the oil filter leading into the tank caused the entire tank to empty out before the issue was caught. Concerned about the environmental impact and potential health risks to their family and neighbors, the Waites took immediate action to address the spill.

Following the spill, the Waites reached out to their home insurance provider, expecting coverage for the cleanup costs. Unfortunately, they were shocked to learn that they had no insurance coverage for such an incident. This left the family in a difficult position as they could not afford the cleanup expenses on their own.

The provincial government stepped in and issued an environmental protection order to the Waites, requiring them to hire a consultant and arrange for the oil cleanup. However, due to their financial constraints, the Waites were unable to comply with the order. Subsequently, the government took over the cleanup process, hiring its own consultants to handle the remediation.

After months of delay, the cleanup finally took place in June and July of 2024. Contractors hired by the province had to excavate and replace over 600 metric tonnes of contaminated soil underneath and around the Waites’ home. The extensive cleanup efforts resulted in a bill of $345,915.64 being sent to the family, further adding to their financial distress.

The Waites question the Department of Environment’s handling of the cleanup process, criticizing the delay in initiating the remediation and the lack of clarity regarding the financial responsibility for the cleanup costs. Despite efforts to seek clarification from various officials, the Waites were left feeling uncertain and stressed about their situation.

The Department of Environment defended the size of the cleanup bill, citing the legislative process and the substantial costs associated with the remediation efforts. The Waites now face the prospect of a lien on their property, which would potentially divert any proceeds from the sale of their home to the provincial government.

This rare and tragic situation highlights the importance of insurance coverage and proactive measures to prevent oil spills. The Waites urge the government and insurance providers to educate Islanders about insurance requirements and the need for regular inspections of oil tanks to avoid similar predicaments in the future.

As the Waites grapple with the financial burden placed upon them, they hope for a resolution that will allow them to move forward without the looming threat of losing their home. The family’s plight serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for preparedness and awareness when it comes to environmental hazards and insurance protection.