December 2, 1999
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

As honourable members are aware, a section of the water supply system in Eastport was contaminated on Tuesday, November 30 causing the town council to declare a state of emergency. At this time, I wish to provide the Legislature with a report on this incident and to indicate the corrective measures which are currently underway.

At the outset, I want to say that officials of the departments of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, Government Services and Lands and Environment and Labour are all cooperating with the town and that government has given its assurance that it will provide whatever assistance is required to correct this unfortunate situation as quickly as possible.

The source of the contamination has been traced to an underground gasoline storage tank at an abandoned service station. It was first noticed by homeowners when water service - on this particular section of the line - was restored after a brief shutdown by Hyrdo for maintenance.

There was a break in a section of the waterline near this abandonedtank which corresponded with a break in the tank. This contributed to the tank becoming filled with water allowing the small amount of gas left in the tank to float to the surface and overflow into the ground

hereby contaminating the soil. When the power was turned off for maintenance purposes, the lack of water in the pipe caused a suction to be created in the service line and the contaminated ground water entered the system through the break in the service line.

Approximately 57 households are impacted and a small number of businesses. The town has implemented a number of temporary solutions toprovide water to residents until this section of the system can be restored.

With the assistance of various government departments mentioned, the council is now proposing a flushing system possibly using a phosphate free detergent in the hope that this will correct the situation. It may be that a more permanent solution will be necessary.

A team of government officials is working closely with the town and will be advising me with regard to success or otherwise of this flushing method or as to what other methods that will be necessary to correct this situation.

My officials have been in contact with the mayor and I believe the town council is pleased with the level of support and cooperation which they are receiving from government. In closing, I wish to assure all residents of the Town of Eastport that government will do all that is possible within our means to correct this unfortunate situation at the earliest possible time.

1999 12 02 2:45 p.m.