MNR Q+A: Gogama train derailment

While answers are still hard to come by, clean up at the Gogama train derailment continues.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) are the lead provincial agency for this situation, but the MNR are playing a support role.

We posed a couple questions to the MNR, and the MNR’s Heather Pridham had this to say.

Q: Does the MNRF currently have employees on the scene of the Gogama train derailment, assessing the situation? If no, why not?

A: While the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is the lead provincial agency, MNRF staff are supporting the MOECC’s response by providing logistic assistance, hydrological and environmental values information.

Timmins District staff continue to assess the situation through the clean-up and rehabilitation phases, and will provide any necessary advice and support to MOECC and CN.

Q: What are some of the biggest concerns, if any, the MNR has right now in regards to the environmental impact the derailment may have had on the region.

A: At this time it is difficult to draw any conclusions about specific impacts to the area. Once we have a better understanding of the full extent of the movement of the substances downstream and/or into the groundwater system, we will be in a better position to comment.

We are aware of known values upstream and downstream of the derailment site, including walleye spawning shoals, waterfowl staging and nesting sites and moose aquatic feeding sites. This area is also part of a designated canoe route.

Q: When crude oil spills into water ways – how does that affect fish and other wildlife? What kind of information regarding the wellbeing of the wildlife/fish in Gogama can you provide to us?

A: At this time it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the specific impacts until we have a better idea of the full extent of any migration of the substances downstream and/or into the groundwater system. The MNRF will continue monitor this situation closely.