Oil spill on the St. Marys River, Algoma health unit reports

Oil spill on St. Marys River contained. Algoma Public Health lifts water advisory warning against consumption, recreation in affected zone.

Algoma Public Health is advising users of the St. Marys River along the western shore of St. Joseph Island that an oil spill has been reported along the river.

The drinking water contamination risk affects residents whose drinking water intake is downstream of Sailor’s Encampment to the southern end of the west shore, as well as anyone in the area who has a well close to the shoreline.

The spill appears to have taken place on the U.S. side of the border between Neebish Island and St. Joseph Island.

Residents in those areas should watch for a sheen on the waterway, public health officials said.

Don’t drink the water

“Additionally, we advise you not to use the St. Marys River for recreational purposes if a sheen is present (i.e. swimming, kayaking, fishing) until further information is provided,” the news release said.

“This advisory does not apply to the Township of St. Joseph/Richard’s Landing municipal drinking water system. There is no concern relating to this system at this time.”

Affected residents should not drink, swim, bathe or shower using water from the river.

“Use alternative water sources such as bottled water or from the municipal drinking water system,” the health unit said.

“Restrict pet and livestock access to the water.”

The U.S. Coast Guard on the northern Great Lakes said in a news release that it responded to a vessel marine casualty in the St. Marys River on July 29 at 11:30 p.m.

Tug and barge

“A 1,000-foot integrated tug and barge reported to the Coast Guard that they experienced a maneuverability issue east of Neebish Island in the St. Marys River,” the release said.

“The vessel was in ballast and reported no injuries on board and no cargo. The vessel is anchored in Hay Lake, and a marine investigation has been initiated by the Coast Guard.”

The Coast Guard dispatched a 29-foot response boat to respond to the spill.

“The Army Corps of Engineers conducted a survey of the channel and verified it was safe for commercial marine traffic,” the release said.

Officials with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks said a ruptured hydraulic line on the barge led to the spill of 14-20 litres of hydraulic oil from the Great Lakes freighter Presque Isle, a 1,000-foot integrated tug and barge.

The spill was contained and by Friday, was believed to have largely dissipated, but ministry staff were expected to be at the site to assess the situation.

Sherie Gladu, community projects co-ordinator with the Township of St. Joseph’s Island, said the boat’s propeller and starboard rudder blade were lost in the incident.

Oil slick is dissipating

No other damage was observed to the hull of the barge, and no other pollution was noted. The ship is currently on its way to Sault Ste. Marie.

Later Thursday, Algoma Public Health said the less than half a kilometre oil spill appears to have dissipated.

Nicole Lindahl, the health unit’s manager of emergency preparedness and response, said in an email that the U.S. Coast Guard has a sorbent boom to contain the spill and prevent further release of oil.

“The Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks is aware and has advised us there is no risk to downstream municipal systems,” Lindahl said.

“Since the St Marys River is a busy waterway for shipping traffic and recreational water vessels, people who use the surface water for drinking or other purposes, or who use water along the river recreationally, should always be vigilant for oil sheens and refrain from using the water when they see one.”

To report a spill, contact the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks 1-800-268-6060.