WATER ADVISORY FOR ST. MARYS RIVER

Water Advisory for Users of the St. Marys River

Thu, Jun 09, 2022

UPDATE: June 9, 2022 (11:00 PM)

NOTE: This does not apply to municipal water for Richards Landing.

FOR RESIDENTS WHO OBTAIN THEIR DRINKING WATER DIRECTLY FROM THE ST. MARYS RIVER

Algoma Public Health is advising all users of the St. Marys River that an oil spill has been reported and confirmed to be entering St. Marys River. Please be advised that if your drinking water intake is located in the St. Marys River downstream (East) of Algoma Steel Inc. and Great Lakes Power and/or you have a dug a well close to the shoreline there may be risk of contamination resulting from this spill.

Additionally, we advise you not to use the St. Marys River for recreational purposes (i.e. swimming, kayaking, fishing) at this time until further information is provided.

For those affected by this advisory please follow the guidance outlined below:

Do not drink, swim, bathe, or shower with this water

Use alternative water sources such as bottled water or from the municipal drinking water system

Restrict pet and livestock access to the water

Control and remediation is currently underway by Algoma Steel with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) overseeing regulation.

It is recommended that you monitor your shoreline at your property for any signs of oil contamination including odors and oily sheens on the surface of the water, this up to and including Echo Bay. To report a concern, please contact MECP – Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

This advisory will remain in effect until samples confirm the safety of the water and Algoma Public Health lifts the advisory. Please follow the media and Algoma Public Health’s website for any changes or additions to this advisory as it continues to be monitored.

For questions regarding this advisory, please contact Algoma Public Health at: 705-759-5286