Algoma Steel estimates size of spill to be as much as 1,250 litres
Algoma Steel has provided an update on progress to remediate a spill of around 1,000 litres of lubricant oil into the St. Mary’s River.
The incident occurred on June 9, and the company has been working actively with authorities and community groups since to mitigate impacts to the environment. It has also offered to cover the cost of buying and transporting water to the Village of Echo Bay on an interim basis.
“While the sheen has dissipated and is no longer visible, we continue to conduct sampling and monitoring on the waterway,” says a release from the company. “Our technical assessment of the incident continues as we work to identify and implement the appropriate controls to prevent such an occurrence from happening again.”
Technical advisors have estimate that the size of the spill is between 1,000 litres and 1,250 litres. This information along with the analysis methodology have been provided to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“This event certainly did not live up to the high standard we set for ourselves,” said Algoma Steel CEO Michael Garcia. “I assure you the entire Algoma team has felt the weight of this incident’s impact on our community. We are focused on mitigating any possible impact and are grateful for the collaboration with all parties involved as we work together to do what needs to be done to protect the environment.”