The phrase "major spill" refers to a situation where a large amount of liquid or substance has accidentally leaked or been released in a way that can cause significant damage or harm. Full definition
In March 2013 when a train derailed in Minnesota and spilled some 30,000 gallons of crude oil, Reuters reported that it was first major spill since crude - by - rail transport took off three years ago. (treehugger.com)
According the University of Nebraska study, Keystone XL would likely experience 91 major spills from the pipeline over the 50 - year lifetime of the project. (nrdc.org)
This was no ordinary crude — it was the first ever major spill into water of diluted bitumen from the Alberta oil sands. (thetyee.ca)