MPP Michael Mantha Alarmed When Oil Spill Reports Jump From 4 Barrels to 400 –
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha says he has been in contact with White River Mayor Angelo Bazzoni
NDP: CP oil spill in White River larger than originally reported
ELLIOT LAKE, ON – Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha says community concerns surrounding a train derailment and oil spill near White River are increasing as the size of the reported spill has increased from 4 barrels to 400.
“I was alarmed when I saw the reports indicating that a large area of the spill had gone undetected,” said Mantha. “I have spoken with White River Mayor Angelo Bazzoni many times since the accident. He is keeping me updated on the situation on the ground, and is confident with the containment efforts so far.”
Residents of White River and surrounding areas are concerned after learning the oil spill close to their community is in fact much larger causing concern for the safety of their drinking water as well as environmental impact.
“I have also been in continual contact with representatives at the Ministry of the Environment as well as officials at CP who have been forthcoming giving me updates,” explained Mantha. “The Ministry has assured me that the situation is under control as they continue clean-up efforts, as well as soil sampling.”
A recent update from the MOE detailed a number of cleanup actions underway. Three environmental companies are on site, assisting with the cleanup. The Ministry believes the spill has been effectively contained within a series of berms and trenches, and work is underway to allow vacuum trucks to remove the spilled material. The spill is not expected to affect water supplies in White River, but the Pic Mobert First Nation is under a boil water advisory and is being provided with boiled water.
“I have been in close contact with my federal colleague Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes,” said Mantha. “We are both very concerned about potential environmental implications. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that community concerns are addressed.”
