Truck submerged in Lake Nipigon for more than two weeks

Rocky Bay First Nation - Some residents living around Orient Bay on the southeast shore of Lake Nipigon are concerned about contamination caused by a truck that entered the water two weeks ago.

On Thursday morning, it was still there, surrounded by a fence erected on the ice.

On January 12, the truck lost control on Highway 11 and plunged into the lake, but the driver escaped unharmed before the ice gave way.

Local resident Pegues Lynch said Wednesday that the site is less than two kilometres from Rocky Bay, and she worries it could affect the water supply.

Her own home is near the community's water treatment plant, which draws water from Lake Nipigon.

"That's our reservoir. Reflection Lake draws water from there for our survival, along with Rocky Bay, Pikitawabik Bay, Treasure Bay, and Sandy Point, then it flows to five or six other First Nations around Lake Nipigon."

Lynch added: "Everything flows. Whatever is in that truck could threaten the fish, otters, beavers, and all creatures that drink that water. All the grease, gum, and dirt in that truck could affect our community's water system."

She said she has heard similar concerns from other residents.

Newswatch contacted Rocky Bay Chief Gladys Thompson for comment but has not yet received a response.

Lynch drove past the accident site on Thursday and saw service vehicles nearby, but said the nature of the operation was unclear.

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has not responded to Newswatch's inquiries from Wednesday morning about plans to remove the vehicle and any environmental mitigation measures that may be needed.

Source: https://www.snnewswatch.com/local-news/truck-submerged-in-lake-nipigon-for-over-two-weeks-10147713