The old fish sauce plant in St. Mary’s is now completely open to the elements and at risk of collapse (via Facebook)
The St. Mary’s town council is advising residents closest to the heavily damaged fish sauce plant to evacuate as a precaution with another intense storm system on the way.
One side of the abandoned building, which contains vats of toxic, putrefying fish sauce, blew out completely in high winds last week, and according to the mayor is on the brink of collapse.
Councillors held an emergency meeting Sunday afternoon and decided that the risk of flying debris from the dilapidated structure was too high in winds forecast to gust to 100 km/h Monday afternoon and evening.
Town officials say they will continue to monitor the situation.
Mayor Steve Ryan has been in contact with various levels of government and has been in conversation with Municipal Affairs Minister Chris Tibbs. Ryan says provincial government officials have assured council that it is committed to addressing the situation, and according to a post on the town’s Facebook page, “and providing full support.”
Minister Tibbs and officials from the departments of environment, municipal affairs, and transportation will be in St. Mary’s tomorrow to meet with the town council and discuss next steps. Tibbs calls the situation a “clear priority” for government.