It turns out that the release of Luminol into the Churchill River in Labrador earlier this week was worse than originally reported.

Nalcor reported the release of 39 litres of Luminol into the Churchill River on Tuesday. Since then, it was learned that 390 litres of the chemical spilled into the water.

Luminol is insoluble in water, and is often used at crime scenes to detect blood. The chemical is used as a coolant in transformers.

Nalcor says Environment Canada and Service NL have been notified of the change, and a full response procedure was launched.

Nalcor says Luminol is biodegradable and does not pose a risk to the river or wildlife.