Part of Fort Albany First Nation in northern Ontario in state of emergency over water-line backup of sewage | CBC News
The chief and council of Fort Albany First Nation have declared a state of emergency and imposed a boil water advisory in part of the James Bay community in northern Ontario.
In a Facebook post to members, they say the steps are being taken as a result of a significant infrastructure failure affecting the “mainland” part of the First Nation.
The community’s water treatment plant was built in 1997 and expanded in 2004.
In the motion for a declaration of a boil-water advisory and state of emergency, chief and council said the water treatment plant does not meet current regulations and guidelines, citing the critical state of motors and control panels.
They say there is a backup of sewage and sediment in water lines that pose a health risk to residents, particularly those on Marius Spence Road and north, including an estimated 50 homes, other residential units, a store, post office and medical centre.
Request for quick assistance for vulnerable elders, children
Fort Albany chief and council say they’ve exhausted local resources and are calling on Indigenous Services Canada and other service providers for additional professional support and resources to assist the community.
In response, Indigenous Services Canada is recommending the community repair the distribution lines and equipment at the plant, and then chlorinate and re-test the water to make sure it’s safe.
People are advised to boil any water that may be consumed for at least a minute.
The community hall in Fort Albany has been staged as a command post to offer support and act as a communication centre.
