An oil spill in Nova Scotia on Sunday has contaminated the Little Sackville River.

About 600 litres of pink furnace oil spilled out of an outdoor tank located behind a strip mall at 1053 Sackville Dr. in Lower Sackville, Halifax RCMP Cpl. Joe Taplin said.

It appears the copper line to the tank was deliberately cut, likely between 1 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. AT, Taplin said.

Oil was seeping into the earth and a nearby storm drain, travelling through an outfall and into the river behind Buddy's Billiards.

Police and firefighters were called to the scene about 9 a.m. after area residents noticed the sheen on the water, Taplin said.

Federal and provincial environment officials, members of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and representatives of the Halifax Regional Water Commission also responded.

The spill has been contained and absorbent pads are being used to pick up some of the oil. Backhoes were also used to dig up the contaminated soil around the tank.

Fisheries officials said the river is fast moving, which may help protect habitat. The river is home to 13 species of fish, including trout and Atlantic salmon, as well as water fowl.

Police plan to review the building owner's surveillance tapes. "To us, it's just a senseless act of vandalism right now that's caused quite a bit of damage from the sewer system all the way down to the Sackville River," Taplin said.

Meanwhile, members of the Sackville Rivers Association plan to inspect the damage to the already sensitive river on Monday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).