Clean up efforts on Hwy 63 continues

Evacuated residents on Silver Lady Lane will spend another night out of their homes as the clean-up from the tanker crash on Highway 63 continues.

Officials estimate that 36,000 kilograms of formaldehyde spilled out of the overturned tanker in Monday’s fatal crash and found its way into Trout Lake.

Managing Director of Community Services Jerry Knox says there is no definite time he can offer as to when folks will be allowed back into their homes, but stressed city emergency crews; health unit officials and Ministry of Environment (MOE) staff all continue to work on containing and cleaning the area as quickly as possible.

He said they are hopeful to have the tanker removed tomorrow which will allow the OPP to finish their investigation and clean up the remainder of the scene which in turn would have Highway 63 open at some point on Wednesday.

Knox also stressed at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that the city’s piped water supply is safe and that staff at the water treatment plant have doubled water testing efforts.

However, he cautions everyone with private water systems who draw their water directly from Trout Lake not drink the water.

At the same time Knox notes that while there has not been a fish count, the MOE feels there has been no impact to the fish or wildlife in the lake.

He also notes that with the exception of the death of the driver there were no other injuries associated with the accident and there have been no reports of anyone experiencing illness associated with the toxins.



City officials will update efforts at a news conference Wednesday morning at police headquarters, and in the meantime they are asking people not to tie up the police emergency phone lines, a general information line has been set up at city hall and folks can call 705-474-0626 ext. 2333.

Anyone with questions about drinking water or health issues is asked to call the Health Unit at 705-474-1400.