William Dale
Published in the Pontiac Journal on May 6, 2026
THORNE – New details have emerged regarding the environmental cleanup on chemin Yach following a March 15 accident involving a snowmobile trail groomer. According to Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment, the spill — previously of unknown volume — is now estimated at between 20 to 40 litres of diesel fuel and 47 litres of hydraulic oil.
The groomer, owned by the Pontiac Snowmobile Drivers’ Association (PSDA), tipped into a pond nearly six weeks ago. While the incident occurred in mid-March, it was not reported to provincial authorities until March 21, when a concerned citizen contacted the Ministry.
Ministry spokesperson Louis Potvin said the Environment Quality Act requires any party responsible for an accidental discharge of hazardous materials to notify the ministry “without delay.” The law also requires that all contaminated materials be recovered as quickly as possible.
Asked whether the six-day delay between the accident and the report could affect the province’s response, Potvin said the Ministry’s primary objective is a return to compliance, but added it “does not exclude any administrative or criminal recourse” depending on the outcome of its investigation.
The Gatineau-based firm Klondike is overseeing the cleanup. The work involves more than removing visible oil. As soil is excavated, samples are taken from the walls of the excavation site to determine whether contamination remains.
“If the results of this sampling show that contamination remains, the firm proceeds with further excavations until the soil is exempt [of toxins],” Potvin said. The process will continue until testing confirms the site meets environmental standards.
Public concern has also focused on the impact of heavy machinery on local flora and fauna. The Ministry said it is conducting regular follow-ups to monitor mitigation measures. If required, the PSDA could be held financially responsible for full environmental restoration once cleanup is complete.
The cleanup has caused surface damage to chemin Mountain and chemin Yach. Klondike has committed to restoring both roads to their original condition. The PSDA did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
Photo: An EUTEAU vacuum truck remains stationed on chemin Mountain April 29 as cleanup continues following a diesel and hydraulic oil spill in Thorne. The truck is near the intersection of chemin Vanduski, just south of chemin Yach, where the road remains closed to traffic. (WD)