Carbonear councillors weigh risk of facing pollution costs

By Olivia Bradbury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Carbonear has decided to buy an insurance policy against unexpected pollution.

Councillor Peter Snow raised the issue in his finance committee report during council’s March 10 public meeting.

Snow said that while extending the Town’s policy to include pollution is optional, the coverage is highly recommended for municipalities and is not included in the Town’s current policy.

“The extension is useful for addressing unexpected pollution events caused by accidents giving municipalities protection in case something unforeseen happens,” said Snow, “such as an oil leak, which I think happened when we were doing the Water Street project.”

Snow said the annual premium for the extra coverage is $2,500, and that his committee recommended its purchase. He then made a motion to add the coverage to Carbonear’s general liability insurance with Cal LeGrow Insurance. The motion was seconded by councillor Stephen Penney and passed unanimously.