On September 03, 2024, during Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) work on the Centre Pier, a gasket failed while a silo was being refilled with Portland dry cement. As a result, approximately 2.5 litres of dry cement became airborne and dissipated in three to four minutes.
The contractor immediately stopped the refilling activity. CNL notified the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the Ontario Spills Action Centre and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, as well as the Municipality of Port Hope.
Portland cement is used on the Centre Pier to harden wet soil prior to the soil being shipped to the PHAI waste management facility for long-term storage. The gasket, which is changed every five loads, was due to be changed after this refilling and was replaced before the silo was put back into use.
There was very little risk to the safety of workers or the public from this event.