Dispute Surfaces Over Wollaston Lake Diesel Spill

Dispute Surfaces Over Wollaston Lake Diesel Spill

Friday, September 01, 2006 at 15:44

A spokesman for Indian Affairs says the department is not in a position to offer extra money for the cleanup of Wollaston Lake.

However, Trevor Sutter says INAC can offer the Hatchet Lake First Nation a loan to help pay for the cost of cleaning up this summer’s diesel spill at Welcome Bay.

The band has gone public with its desire to see some government assistance, but not in the form of a loan.

Sutter says the cleanup is happening regardless of the politics, but if the band hasn’t paid by the time it’s done, they may receive an invoice in the mail.

Sutter says most of the cleanup has occurred already — all that’s left to tackle is the contaminated soil.

He adds INAC isn’t looking to blame anyone for the accident, either.

Sutter says the band has told his department it doesn’t want to sign a contribution agreement because it would be seen as an admission of liability.