December 1, 1999
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Government providing assistance to Eastport

Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, said officials of various government departments are meeting today with Mayor Glen Babstock and the Eastport Town Council in an attempt to address what appears to be serious problems related to the town's water supply system.

Early reports indicate that the town's water supply system was contaminated November 30 by hydrocarbons believe to have entered the system from an abandoned gasoline storage tank. A complete investigation is now under way.

"Officials of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, as well as representatives of the departments of Government Services and Lands and Environment and Labour, are in Eastport and are working with town officials in an attempt to identify the full extent of the problem and to put forward an appropriate plan of action," said Mr. Matthews. "I want to assure all residents of the Town of Eastport that government will do all that is possible within our means to correct this most unfortunate situation."

The minister said his deputy minister has been in personal contact with Mayor Babstock and he has asked to be briefed on the latest developments as they unfold.

"This is a serious and most unfortunate situation and, as Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, it is incumbent upon my department to provide whatever assistance that is possible as a means of bring about an early solution to this problem," Mr. Matthews said. "Representatives of three departments of government are on site and will cooperate with the town to the full extent."

Media contact: Gary Callahan, (709) 729-1983.

1999 12 01 5:15 p.m.