Fish transport trucks have to stop dripping on highways

The Department of Government Services and Lands is working with the fishing and trucking industries to eliminate highway spillage. Offending trucks will continue being ticketed, but will not be removed from roads if they are not causing serious problems, as long as the industry continues working with government to find solutions promptly. 

Fishing and trucking representatives advise they are trying to find answers, but need more time to address containment options. They want to resolve issues such as insurance implications for trucks, dumping facilities across the province, and proper outfitting of trucks for transportation of fish. 

Minister Walter Noel said: "We have agreed to allow additional time, and not implement a zero tolerance policy in the middle of the fishing season, as long as the industry is working diligently to solve the problem. We recognize the importance of the fishing industry to the economy of our province, but citizens cannot be expected to continue tolerating this unacceptable and potentially dangerous practice.

"We have received numerous legitimate complaints from the public, ferry operators, weigh scales operators and others about fish spillage. These complaints must be addressed and the practice ended."

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2001 07 24                                                          12:05 p.m.