Premier Horgan to fight Ottawa over ban of ferry passengers remaining on vehicle decks

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Fire at Schnitzer Steel could threaten local groundwater supplies

People from Ladysmith to south Nanaimo are being asked not to use water this evening because of the risk of contamination from a large fire, just south of the Nanaimo Airport. Seventy firefighters from fifteen fire departments have been battling the blaze at the Schnitzer Steel recycling property since 11 o'clock this morning. A spokesperson for the Cowichan Valley Regional District says toxic smoke from burning tires, foam and plastics have prompted an air quality advisory. Kris Schumacher says runoff from the debris could threaten local groundwater supplies.

"Groundwater contamination is a very real threat right now. We're certainly urging residents in the area to avoid using their water, if at all possible. Not just because of a threat of groundwater but also because crews are drawing on the groundwater reservoirs right now to fight the fire so every last drop hopefullywill count."—CVRD Spokesperson Kris Schumacher

Schumacher says emergency officials considered ordering an evacuation of the area, but he says that was not neccessary since firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby properties, including the Cold Star refrigerated transport centre. Firefighters are expected to remain on the scene overnight.

British Columbia has set an all time high for new COVID-19 infections, with 139 confirmed over the past 24 hours. There are two new cases in Island Health, bringing our active case count to 8. There have been no deaths from the coronavirus over the past two days.

Federal regulator to reinstate regulations regarding ferry passengers on car decks

The Premier says he's fighting a federal government decision to ban ferry passengers from remaining in their vehicles during sailings. Transport Canada allowed the practise last March, to help ensure physical distancing on BC ferries. Now, all passengers must wear masks on the ferries, so the federal regulator will reinstate its regulation that prohibits people from remaining on car decks during voyages, starting September the 30th. John Horgan calls the federal decision "disappointing" and an unwelcome intrusion on the province's right to manage its marine highway.

"We believe that we can safely transport people. This is not something we sought. This is something that's being imposed. It's returning to a previous situation that we also felt was somewhat heavy-handed for the inland waters that our ferries travel in. This is an unwelcome intrusion by the federal government at this time, and we're going to pursue it aggressively."—Premier John Horgan.

Horgan says he voiced his opposition at a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland earlier this week.