Medical equipment such as surgical masks, syringes and IV bags are stored in an abandoned and poorly preserved building, located on the grounds of a former asbestos mine in Val-des-Sources.
The building, one of the last vestiges of the Jeffery mine, which has been closed since 2012, is in poor condition after being badly damaged in a fire last year. As a result, the roof has leaked in many places, the walls are in danger of collapsing and the metal frames supporting the building have been damaged.
A confidential source informed about the situationNewspaper It can be confirmed that medical equipment such as visors, masks, gowns, syringes, infusions and tips and sets used for Covid-19 tests were in high supply last week.
Several boxes were torn apart and scattered on the floor. In most cases, the material expired after being delivered to hospitals and CHSLDs in Estre, Montreal and Quebec in the middle of an epidemic.
MGA Environnement has rented the building, which was heavily damaged in a fire last year, to store and recycle various medical supplies.
Many surgical masks and tests for detecting Covid-19, most of them out of date, can be found in this dilapidated and poorly secured building in Val-des-Sources.
Photo provided by Source
Joined by Newspaper, the company’s founder, Martin Gagnon, promised that the spaces were “forbidden and off limits to the public”, but that people would “find holes to sneak in”. However, neither door prevents access to medical equipment.
Asked why the syringes were unattended last week, Mr. Gagnon indicated that the boxes containing the material had been removed and placed in “covered storage trailers.”
A Sherbrooke company has announced to much fanfare that it will launch a pilot project to recycle masks and other personal protective equipment in 2021. Mr. Gagnon claims to make composite panels and tiles.
“Everything is already safe”
They also joined Newspaper, the owner of the land, Michel Proulx, president of Beausite Métal, denied having medical equipment on his land. He added that the place was “already safe” before cutting the conversation short.
In recent years, Mr. Proulx has also received administrative sanctions related to the management of hazardous materials from federal and provincial environmental ministries.
More young people
According to our information confirmed by the municipality, “more and more young people” visit this dilapidated and badly unsafe site.
The deputy director of the city of Val-des-Sources, formerly known as Asbestos, said it had recently “intensified its efforts” with the landowner to protect the site.
“We have asked them to install fences around the construction site, at least for the next few days [du bâtiment] To prevent people from entering,” explains Stephan Alleyne, responsible for regional development at the municipality.
to demolish
The most dangerous part of the building, which caught fire in September 2023, is also slated to be demolished at the city’s request. “We are monitoring the situation very closely and we will provide a final date [pour la démolition] During the summer,” he said.
A lot of waste is piled up around an unattended and unused building where medical equipment is stored.
Photo provided by Source
Mr. Alain mentions.
– Mary Christine Trottier, in collaboration with the Office of Investigation
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