Small Discharge, Big Wake-Up Call for Great Lakes Protection

Oil Spill on the St. Marys River: Small Discharge, Big Wake-Up Call for Great Lakes Protection

On the night of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, a mechanical failure aboard the Presque Isle, a 1,000-foot integrated tug and barge, led to an oil spill on the St. Marys River, a critical artery in the Great Lakes system. Though the reported volume—approximately 20 gallons of hydraulic oil—may seem minor, the implications for public health and regional ecosystems are anything but.

What Happened?

At around 11:30 p.m., the Presque Isle reported maneuverability issues while navigating east of Neebish Island. The vessel, which was in ballast and not carrying cargo, was quickly anchored in Hay Lake. During inspection, the crew discovered a hydraulic leak, prompting notification of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes, which began immediate coordination with local and tribal partners.

A sheen was observed on the water. Responders deployed a containment boom around the vessel and removed the remaining hydraulic fluid from the system to prevent further discharge. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and the shipping channel was later confirmed safe by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Health Advisory in Effect

In response, Algoma Public Health issued a water use advisory for users along the western shore of St. Joseph Island, especially those drawing drinking water directly from the river or living with wells near the shoreline.

If a sheen is visible, residents are advised to:

• Avoid using the water for drinking, cooking, bathing, or swimming

• Refrain from recreational use, including kayaking, fishing, or any direct contact

• Keep pets and livestock away from the river

• Watch for signs of contamination, such as oily residue or unusual odors

The municipal drinking water system in Richard’s Landing remains safe and is not affected by this spill. For questions, residents can contact Algoma Public Health at 705‑759‑5286.

Why This Spill Matters—Even at 20 Gallons

While the spill volume is relatively small, the location and timing elevate the risk. The St. Marys River connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron, making it a direct line between two of the world’s most important freshwater bodies. Any contamination here has the potential to move downstream quickly, particularly when weather or river current conditions shift.

Small-scale spills often go under the radar, but experts warn:

• Oil spreads rapidly in freshwater, forming a thin film over large surface areas

• Even trace amounts can disrupt aquatic life, especially eggs and larvae in shoreline habitats

• Cold water in this region slows natural breakdown, allowing oil to linger

• Cleanup is far more difficult in river systems where water is moving and access is limited

This is not the first such incident in recent years. In 2022, a spill of over 5,000 gallons of gear oil near Sault Ste. Marie closed the river for days, triggered wildlife monitoring, and led to new oil detection sensors being installed. Even with a fraction of that volume, the current spill reminds us that infrastructure flaws and minor leaks can still pose serious environmental threats.

Protecting the Great Lakes Starts with Readiness

The Great Lakes contain 20% of the world’s surface freshwater supply. They support over 40 million people with clean drinking water, sustain a $6 trillion regional economy, and harbor over 3,500 species of plants and animals.

But they are also incredibly vulnerable. A single tugboat, pipe, or port-side mishap can release contaminants into delicate aquatic systems with limited ability to flush or recover. Worse, current spill detection systems often rely on visual confirmation—a dangerous delay when time is the most critical factor.

As industrial traffic increases, so do the risks. Despite regulatory frameworks and environmental protocols, this spill proves again that response capability and local awareness must be constant priorities.

What’s Next?

• A full marine investigation is underway by the U.S. Coast Guard.

• Algoma Public Health will continue monitoring for any changes to water quality or safety conditions.

• Residents are urged to report sheens, odors, or affected wildlife to the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

For now, vigilance is key. The St. Marys River is more than a channel—it is a lifeline between lakes, between communities, and between past and future. This time, it was 20 gallons. Next time, it might be more. Preparedness—not panic—is how we protect what matters.