December 6, 1999
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Flushing of contaminated line shows encouraging results

Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister Lloyd Matthews and Mayor Glen Babstock of Eastport today reported considerable progress in the efforts currently under way to clean up a section of the town's water supply that was earlier contaminated by a gasoline leak from a local service station.

Mr. Matthews and Mayor Babstock said an extensive flushing of the affected portion of the water main was performed in two phases on December 3 and 4 with encouraging results.

In the initial phase, the water main was flushed with a household detergent/water solution, followed by a fresh water injection. In the second phase, the detergent residue was removed by forcing a disinfection solution through the pipes, followed again by a flushing with fresh water. A vacuum truck collected all contaminated water.

The flushing system made it possible for households to use the water for utility purposes, however, further testing will be required to determine if the water is safe for drinking purposes. It is anticipated that the town will have the results of the testing later this week. In the meantime, flushing of individual household systems continues.

Minister Matthews said officials of his department as well as representatives of the departments of Government Services and Lands and Environment and Labour will continue to work with the town council to correct this unfortunate problem.

"We have been cooperating fully with the town since this problem was first identified and I want to reassure all residents that government will do all that is possible within our means to bring about a solution to this unfortunate problem," said Mr. Matthews.

Mayor Babstock said while residents will still have to bring in water to drink until testing is completed, there is room for optimism.

"The testing remains critical to determine the success or otherwise of the flushing method and at this stage we can only hope that it will be fully successful," said Mr. Babstock. The mayor said council has installed a tap in the town to enable people to get drinking water.

The contamination which occurred November 30 affects 57 households and a number of businesses.

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

1999 12 06 3:55 p.m.