St. Mary’s Mayor Urges Federal Action After Storm Damage to Plant

High winds have severely damaged an abandoned fish sauce plant in St. Mary’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, prompting local officials to seek immediate assistance from the federal government. The incident occurred overnight from Friday to Saturday, when strong gusts tore off a side of the building, exposing approximately 110 vats of rotting fish sauce to the elements. Mayor Steve Ryan emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that “this is lobster grounds, crab grounds, cod grounds,” and underscoring the need for protection.

Ryan has been advocating for federal aid since 2016, when it was discovered that “acutely lethal” effluent from the plant was seeping into the ocean, presenting a significant environmental hazard. Now, with forecasts predicting more high winds for Monday, the mayor fears that the situation could worsen, leading to potential leaks into the nearby waters.

As a precaution, the town plans to evacuate a residence located behind the plant. Ryan noted that the winds could be strong enough to jeopardize the structure further, and Deputy Mayor Yvonne Bishop warned other residents in the area to prepare for possible evacuation if conditions escalate. “If that roof goes off, it is exposed. Everything is exposed,” she said.

Community Response and Government Support

The town council is scheduled to meet with provincial officials on Monday to discuss the next steps. In a statement, Michelle Hunt-Grouchy, Director of Communications for the Department of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, stated that the meeting will focus on assessing the situation and ensuring the safety of residents. She assured that the issue is a priority for the province and that several departments are collaborating to determine the best course of action for the disposal of the hazardous organic waste.

Environment Canada had previously found that effluent from the plant was detrimental to local marine life, leading to increased community concern over its continued presence. Bishop expressed frustration at the lack of federal action, stating, “Federal has really stepped back; they never put their foot in.”

The area’s Member of the House of Assembly (MHA), Sherry Gambin-Walsh, has also called for urgent action. In a statement issued on Saturday, she noted that the removal of the plant was a priority for the former Liberal government and highlighted that the recent windstorm has intensified the urgency of the matter. “I encourage residents to remain alert and be prepared in the event an evacuation order is issued by emergency officials,” she advised.

The Coast Guard has been urged to offer support to the town, but as of now, no response has been received regarding their involvement. Both CBC and local residents are waiting for a response from Avalon MP Paul Connors and Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson regarding federal assistance.

Long-standing Issues for Residents

The abandoned plant has been a longstanding issue for St. Mary’s residents, who have endured a persistent stench emanating from the site. Bishop described the odor as “a fumigating smell of rotten compost of fish,” indicating that the community has suffered indirectly from the facility’s neglect for years.

As the town prepares for further potential damage, the residents remain vigilant. The local council’s proactive measures underscore the community’s commitment to safeguarding both public health and the environment. The situation at the abandoned fish sauce plant continues to evolve, and local officials are determined to take the necessary actions to protect their community and the surrounding marine ecosystem.