The city of Sault Ste. Marie issued a statement following an oil spill in the St. Louis River. Marys yesterday. “City staff have remained committed to government and ministry officials about the oil spill and its implications for municipal operations and our community,” said CAO Malcolm White. Ship traffic to the river was halted yesterday as crews responded to the incident and Algoma Public Health issued public advice urging residents downstream of the leak not to consume, swim or swim in water from the St. Louis River. Marys until younger. The inlet to the Echo Bay water plant has been cut off to prevent possible contamination and an environmental team for the Garden River First Nation is monitoring the situation closely as many residents use the river for fishing and recreational activities. Full text of Sault Ste. Maria’s statement is as follows: On the morning of Thursday, June 9, the city’s Emergency Management Committee was informed of an oil spill downstream by Algoma Steel Inc. on the river St. Marys. Since then, the city has been closely monitoring the effects of the leak along with control and rehabilitation efforts by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Mayor Christian Provenzano spoke with the Algoma Steel executive team to express his concern. “This is a very worrying incident,” said Mayor Provenzano. “We have to protect and safeguard the environment and our natural resources. “I want to reassure the public that the city shares their concerns and remains committed to both Algoma Steel and local officials.” “The staff of the municipality remained committed to government and ministry officials regarding the oil spill and any impact on municipal functions and our community. Algoma Public Health has issued a water directive for the St. Louis River. Marys and her staff advise people to avoid drinking, swimming, bathing or showering with this water right now. “We urge the community to follow the public health guidelines closely,” said CAO Malcolm White.