It has been a long road but it’s hoped that work to finally rid St. Mary’s of putrid fish sauce which has been left to rot for years will begin next month.
Tenders have been called, but it’s a massive undertaking and Mayor Steve Ryan expects to encounter some unknowns during the cleanup.
The building has been deteriorating for decades with a near-fatal blow coming early last winter during a wind storm. It has been patched up, but its stability is tenuous.
Vats of toxic, fermenting fish sauce in the old fish sauce plant in St. Mary’s (VOCM News)
Mayor Ryan says the product will be transported to Sunnyside for disposal.
There are 110 tanks with varying amounts in each one, plus there’s about a foot of product on the floor that has to be cleaned up before they start anything.
“We are worried about the smell but residents are understanding because it will be short-term pain for long-term gain this summer.”
The cleanup is expected to take about four months.
