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On Friday night, a strong windstorm tore down the front of a former fish sauce factory in St. Mary’s, Newfoundland. The incident has sparked widespread fear among residents, especially for the safety of schools and families near the ocean.
Mayor Steve Ryan, urged by a resident, visited the site Saturday morning and witnessed the damage. He said part of the building had collapsed, onto the shore and into the ocean. He warned that the roof could come off, leaving the entire building exposed to the public and nearby schools.
One resident who lived near the factory was evacuated as a precaution. Inside the factory, hundreds of thousands of litres of a mixture of pineapple juice and capelin that had been fermenting for three decades are now left exposed. An initial Environment Canada investigation showed that the sauce is highly toxic.
Ryan complained that his small village with a team of volunteers cannot handle the situation alone. He stressed the need for experts to arrive quickly to protect residents and the ocean rich in fish and shellfish.
Sunday's weather forecast predicted stronger winds towards the village, adding to fears of a foul smell spreading throughout the area. A school 300 metres away with 60 children is due to open on Monday, and the mayor said immediate action was needed.
Residents have been troubled by the smell from the abandoned factory for years. The provincial government has repeatedly delayed the clean-up process, and now the threat it had been projecting has become a reality.
Mayor Ryan spoke to Minister Chris Tibbs, who promised assistance within 24 hours. The Coast Guard has also been notified. The Newfoundland and Labrador Ministry of Environment confirmed on Sunday that it is looking into a permanent solution and will send representatives to meet with the village council on Monday.
Ryan concluded by expressing hope that the problem will be addressed immediately and put an end to it for future generations.
Mayor Steve Ryan, urged by a resident, visited the site Saturday morning and witnessed the damage. He said part of the building had collapsed, onto the shore and into the ocean. He warned that the roof could come off, leaving the entire building exposed to the public and nearby schools.
One resident who lived near the factory was evacuated as a precaution. Inside the factory, hundreds of thousands of litres of a mixture of pineapple juice and capelin that had been fermenting for three decades are now left exposed. An initial Environment Canada investigation showed that the sauce is highly toxic.
Ryan complained that his small village with a team of volunteers cannot handle the situation alone. He stressed the need for experts to arrive quickly to protect residents and the ocean rich in fish and shellfish.
Sunday's weather forecast predicted stronger winds towards the village, adding to fears of a foul smell spreading throughout the area. A school 300 metres away with 60 children is due to open on Monday, and the mayor said immediate action was needed.
Residents have been troubled by the smell from the abandoned factory for years. The provincial government has repeatedly delayed the clean-up process, and now the threat it had been projecting has become a reality.
Mayor Ryan spoke to Minister Chris Tibbs, who promised assistance within 24 hours. The Coast Guard has also been notified. The Newfoundland and Labrador Ministry of Environment confirmed on Sunday that it is looking into a permanent solution and will send representatives to meet with the village council on Monday.
Ryan concluded by expressing hope that the problem will be addressed immediately and put an end to it for future generations.
