Erosion worries Magdalen Islands

Residents of a small community in the Magdalen Islands are worried about problems being created by soil erosion in the area.

The cliff near Entry Island's dock has started to wash away, causingconcern for many on the island of 200 inhabitants

"Once this land is gone, it's into our harbour and once our harbour is gone, our community is gone," said local fisherman Ralph Josey.

The erosion has also washed away about 20 metres of land that used to separate a garbage dump from the ocean. The dump contains wood, plastic and even old car parts, some of whichare blown into the water when strong winds hit, said Josey.

"The way it is now, just a couple more storms and all that garbage is gone, " he said.

Last July, Quebec's Ministry of the Environment sent a notice to the municipality saying that the dump violated environmental regulations.

A patrol has been set up to collect garbage spilling into the sea for the time being. But the mayor of the Magdalen Islands, Jol Arseneau, wants the federal and provincial governments to work with the community to come up with a long-term solution to protect the cliff.

"It has to be a project worked out together. It's a win-win situation we have to be partners in protecting this area."