Environmental Resources Minister Barry Hicken said a new emergency response policy to deal with fish kills and agricultural spills has meant a significant improvement in the way such incidents are handled. The new procedures were followed in dealing with fish kills over the past weekend at Profit's Pond and in Montrose.
The new policy was developed by the Departments of Environmental Resources and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in consultation with the federal departments of Fisheries and Environment, the Atlantic Veterinary College and a number of agricultural and environmental organizations.
Among the major recommendations was the establishment of an Emergency Response Centre to ensure appropriate actions are taken to deal with fish kills and agricultural chemical spills. Approximately 35 people were trained in emergency response procedures this past spring.
Mr. Hicken said that following notification of the fish kill at Profit's Pond on Saturday, officials were on the scene immediately and the various agencies moved quickly to deal with the situation.
"The response by various environmental, agricultural and fish and wildlife officials was a significant improvement over how similar matters have been dealt with in the past," said Mr. Hicken. "We are very pleased with how the Emergency Response Centre was able to activate and coordinate a response to these unfortunate incidents."
Walter Bradley, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said that the new response procedures will help both industry and government deal quickly and effectively with emergency situations.
"This new policy, together with increased enforcement and greater control over the way pesticides are handled and applied, should help address many of the problems we have experienced in the past," said Mr. Bradley. "We will continue our efforts to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place, and if they do, we are prepared to respond."
The ministers said a handbook of response procedures has been developed that provides ready information on tasks that must be completed and a listing of people and resources that can be called upon. In addition, an environmental emergencies telephone number is staffed 24 hours a day. The number is 1-800-565-1633.