(via Facebook)
The MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s is calling on the provincial government to act on a disaster unfolding in the town of St. Mary’s.
High winds have heavily damaged the old fish sauce plant, which was abandoned more than two decades ago, and still contains vats of fetid fish sauce and other toxic substances.
Mayor Steve Ryan says the winds tore one side off the building and it is on the brink of collapse. Area residents have been alerted to the situation and are being asked to prepare for a possible evacuation.
Ryan and the local town council have been working for years to have the toxic and reeking mess at the plant cleaned up, and last year the provincial government allocated money in the budget to hire a consultant to have the site cleaned up and the contaminants properly disposed of. Ryan indicated last June that he was hoping to have the matter addressed by the end of August.
Area MHA Sherry Gambin Walsh is urging government to work with the town and “clearly communicate its plans to the public.” She says the situation is even more urgent now that the building is on the brink of collapse. She’s asking residents to remain on alert and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.