The government of the province is making efforts to quickly secure the St. Mary’s fish sauce plant to prevent it from falling into the ocean, although there is uncertainty surrounding the timeline for removing the decades-old sauce within. Environment Minister Chris Tibbs, speaking in the Newfoundland outport on Monday, emphasized the government’s commitment to a prompt resolution without specifying an exact schedule. Tibbs assured reporters that the process would be expedited and carried out with maximum efficiency.
Following the collapse of a wall at the former fish sauce plant due to high winds on Friday, approximately 110 vats containing decaying fish sauce are now exposed to the elements, raising significant environmental concerns. St. Mary’s Mayor Steve Ryan mentioned that one resident has been relocated for safety reasons, and there are worries regarding a nearby school’s proximity to the plant.
Despite hopes that the fish sauce would have been removed by now, delays have persisted as provincial authorities have been addressing the issue for over a decade. Funding for the plant’s cleanup was allocated in the recent budget, with plans initially set to transport the sauce to Sunnyside for disposal. However, alternative disposal options are now under consideration due to the recent events.
Mayor Ryan expressed confidence in the eventual resolution, stating that the lack of a specific removal timeline does not deter him as he sees the long-awaited finish line approaching. He emphasized the importance of the plant’s cleanup, which has been a longstanding issue for the community. Meanwhile, a local resident, Jim Tobin, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in removing the fish sauce, attributing it to political factors.
Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson acknowledged the provincial government’s proactive stance on the matter and commended their efforts. The St. Mary’s town council informed residents to expect heavy equipment at the site soon for cleanup operations, with a crane potentially involved to address the structural damage to the building.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the situation through the CBC News app and other news channels for further developments.