Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 08/01) - An investigation into a sewage spill into Frobisher Bay this summer has made little progress.

Enforcement officer Trevor Wyatt recently replaced Neil Scott, who was leading the investigation from Yellowknife. Scott left his job with Environment Canada for employment elsewhere last month.

"All I can say is it's an on-going investigation," said Wyatt.

The city operates Iqaluit's sewage system. It faces charges if the spill violated the Fisheries Act.

However, the only on-going aspect to the case is it appears to be open -- not necessarily active.

"There has been nothing new," Wyatt said when pressed to explain what exactly the investigation entails.

In fact, the last time Environment Canada was forthcoming about the spill was in July. Back then Scott told News/North several hundred thousands litres of raw sewage overflowed into the inlet between April and July this year.

Although people and wildlife were not believed to be at risk, the territorial Health Department issued a temporary advisory not to harvest shellfish in August.

The advisory came during the lowest tides of the year when people had greater access to potentially contaminated shellfish.

The sewage spill is separate from a fuel spill in the same area two weeks ago. The Canadian Coast Guard and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada are investigating what is believed to be a fuel leak, the source of which is not yet known.

Wyatt said senior Environment Canada management and legal experts will review the investigation before it is made public.