Algoma Steel faces work stoppages over pigeon poop

Work stoppages are likely inside Algoma Steel's Number Two Basic Oxygen Steel Process (BOSP) shop unless the company is allowed to shoot pigeons on sight, says Jerry Suuma, ASI's manager of safety, environmental and emergency services.

"We have been advised of imminent work stoppages if this problem is not dealt with promptly," Suuma says in a letter to Sault Ste. Marie Police Services, asking for permission to eliminate the birds with a pellet gun.

"Concerns for employee health and safety have prompted this request," he says.

Pigeon feces can cause health problems in humans, including psittacosis, an infectious disease that has mild, non-specific flu-like symptoms.

Learn more about psittacosis

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Health Canada Office of Laboratory Security

City Solicitor Lorie Bottos says that PCO Services has tried to trap the birds, but they've established themselves near the ceiling of the #2 BOSP shop, where traps can't be easily set.

Poisons can't be used

"A poison cannot be used because I am advised by Mr. Don Conner of PCO that poisons cannot be used within seven miles of the international boundary (peregrine falcon flight path)," Bottos says.

City bylaw 70-359 prohibits discharging of firearms within the City, but Bottos is asking City Council to give Algoma Steel and PCO Services an excemmption to allow them to deal with the BOSP pigeon problem.

"All the efforts will take place within a building under secure conditions," Bottos says.

"Employees will not be present."

City Council's expected to deal with the issue on Monday night.