The provincial government has confirmed that an investigation has been opened into the potential illegal disposal of hazardous waste in the Deer Lake area.

In a statement to VOCM News, the government stated that they recently received a report alleging the disposal of hazardous materials near residential areas, a water supply, and a decommissioned landfill in the town.

Government says it takes the protection of the environment “very seriously.”

That said, the investigation is at a “very early stage” and no further information is available at this time.