Mayor Provenzano has spoken to the Algoma Steel executive team to express their concerns
The city of Sault Ste. Marie has issued a statement following an oil spill in the St. Marys yesterday.
“City staff remained committed to government and ministry officials on the oil spill and any potential impact on municipal operations and our community,” CAO Malcolm White said.
Boat traffic on the river was halted yesterday when crews responded to the incident, and Algoma Public Health has issued a public warning urging residents downstream to refrain from consuming, bathing or swimming in the water of the river St. Marys until further notice.
The dam at the Echo Bay water plant has been shut down to prevent possible pollution, and a Garden River First Nation environmental team is closely monitoring the situation, as many residents use the river to to fishing and recreational activities.
Full text of the city of Sault Ste. Marie’s statement is as follows:
On the morning of Thursday, June 9, the city’s Emergency Management Committee was informed of an oil spill downstream of Algoma Steel Inc. on the river St. Marys.
Since then, the city has been closely monitoring the impact of the spill along with the control and repair efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Mayor Christian Provenzano has spoken to Algoma Steel’s executive team to express concern.
“This is a very disconcerting incident,” Mayor Provenzano said. “We must safeguard and protect our environment and natural resources. I want to assure the public that the city shares its concerns and remains committed to both Algoma Steel and local officials. “
“City staff remained committed to government and ministry officials on the oil spill and any potential impact on municipal operations and our community. Algoma Public Health has issued a water warning for St. John’s River. “Marys, and her staff, recommend that people avoid drinking, swimming, bathing, or showering with this water at this time. We urge the community to follow public health guidelines closely,” said CAO Malcolm. White.