THUNDER BAY -- A major announcement and victory for residents of Grassy Narrows First Nation as the province has committed $85 million for the cleanup of the mercury contamination.
The contamination of the English and Wabigoon river systems in the 1960's and 70's from the pulp and paper mill in Dryden has been the cause of many health issues for residents of the First Nation.
The announcement came late Tuesday afternoon from Environment Minister Glen Murray.
Murray said the money will go towards the design and implementation of the cleanup.
Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister says this is a dream come true for his community.
Fobister says several initiatives will be undertaken as part of the process including locating and neutralizing "hot spots" of contamination along the river system and addressing the continued contamination from the mill.
“Part of the plan is to put in a water filtration system to remove any mercury residue that’s coming out from the site,” he said.
Fobister hopes the cleanup will begin by next spring or summer and believes it could take up to 10 years to complete.
(TBT News)
