Mayor Provenzano spoke with Algoma Steel’s executive team to express concern
The city of Sault Ste. Marie issued a statement after the St. Mary’s River oil spill yesterday.
“City officials have remained committed to government and ministry officials regarding the oil spill and any potential impacts on municipal operations and our community,” said CAO Malcolm White.
The movement of ships on the river was stopped yesterday as crews responded to the incident, and the Public Health Algoma issued a public council urging residents downstream to refrain from consuming, bathing or swimming in water from the St. Mary’s River until further notice. .
River intake at the Echo Bay water plant has been halted to avoid potential pollution, and an Garden River First Nation environmental team is closely monitoring the situation, as many residents use the river for fishing and leisure activities.
Full text of the city Sault Ste. Marie’s statement follows:
On Thursday morning, June 9, the city’s emergency management committee was notified of an oil spill downstream of Algoma Steel Inc. on the St. Mary’s River.
Since then, the city has been closely monitoring the impact of the spill, along with efforts by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to control and remediate it. Mayor Christian Provenzano spoke with the Algoma Steel executive team to express his concern.
“This is a very embarrassing incident,” said Mayor Provenzano. “We must protect and safeguard our environment and natural resources. I want to assure the public that the city shares their concerns and remains committed to both Algoma Steel and local officials.
“City officials have remained committed to government and ministry officials regarding the oil spill and any potential impacts on municipal operations and our community. The Public Health Algo has issued a water advice for the St. Mary’s River, and its staff advises people to avoid drinking, swimming, bathing or showering with this water at this time. We call on the community to follow the public health guidelines closely, “said CAO Malcolm White.
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