Algoma Public Health
(UPDATE: LIFTED) Water Advisory for Users of the St. Mary's River
Tue, Jun 21, 2022
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| STATUS: LIFTED |
As of June 21st, 2022, Algoma Public Health is lifting the current water advisory for all users of the St. Mary’s River. This advisory was a response to a June 9th oil spill that impacted residents East of Algoma Steel and Great Lakes Power. This advisory did not affect Sault Ste. Marie’s municipal drinking water system.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has confirmed that all remediation activities have concluded, with no visible sheen being present on the river. Sampling does not indicate any current risk resulting from the oil spill.
Recreational use of the St. Mary’s River (i.e., fishing, swimming, boating) can resume, however users should not drink or come into contact with the water if a noticeable sheen is present. It is recommended that you continue to monitor your shoreline at your property. To report a concern, please contact MECP - Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
If you are a well water user with a well within 50 ft from the shoreline of St. Mary’s River and have questions regarding your well water, please call Algoma Public Health directly to speak with a public health inspector at 705-759-5286.
UPDATE: June 9, 2022 (11:00 PM)
FOR RESIDENTS WHO OBTAIN THEIR DRINKING WATER DIRECTLY FROM THE ST. MARYS RIVER
NOTE: This advisory does not apply to the Sault Ste. Marie municipal drinking water system. There is no concern relating to this system at this time.
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
- Do not use unsecured (dug or sandpoint) well water 50 ft or less from the shoreline
- Do not eat any fish that have been caught from the river since the spill until the advisory is lifted
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
Original: June 9, 2022 (3:30 PM)
FOR RESIDENTS WHO OBTAIN THEIR DRINKING WATER DIRECTLY FROM THE ST. MARYS RIVER
NOTE: This advisory does not apply to the Sault Ste. Marie municipal drinking water system. There is no concern relating to this system at this time.
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 the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC).
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 MOECC – 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