A mandatory evacuation order issued for the area around the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) in Dartmouth, N.S., was lifted just after 6 p.m. AT on Wednesday.
A news release from the Halifax Regional Municipality indicated firefighters were called to the institute around 2:20 p.m. for reports of a chemical spill involving formaldehyde. Upon arrival, they did not find any spill; instead, they discovered a 250 ml container of picric acid, which was dry. The municipality explained, “in a dry state, this chemical is highly explosive.”
An emergency alert was issued recommending people stay away from the area, due to the quantity and state of the chemical. A spokesperson for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard confirmed, “no chemical was spilled” and noted the chemical was actually “75% Picric Acid, which was identified in a changed state (crystallization) which creates an unsafe chemical.”
The incident triggered non-emergency evacuation notices for all employees at the BIO as a precaution. The MacKay Bridge connecting Halifax to Dartmouth was temporarily shut down, leading to significant traffic delays during evening rush hour. Nearly 400 Nova Scotia Power customers experienced outages as emergency crews advised the utility to cut power to the affected area, and several Halifax transit routes were detoured.
Located on the shores of the Bedford Basin, the Bedford Institute of Oceanography is Canada’s largest center for ocean research and houses several Canadian Coast Guard operations, adding to the significance of the prompt reaction by local authorities.
At approximately 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, emergency responders received calls about the spill. Initially, it was believed to be formaldehyde. Members of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency quickly responded and determined no actual chemical spill occurred. Instead, the firefighters managed to confirm the findings of dry picric acid.
A mandatory evacuation zone of 250 meters was established, impacting areas around the Emerald Hills neighborhood and the MacKay Bridge. Although the Ocean Breeze neighborhood remained unaffected by the evacuation, residents were urged to steer clear of the vicinity until municipal authorities deemed it safe.
Halifax Regional Police brought experts from the Explosive Disposal Unit to assess the risks associated with the dry picric acid and to plan the safe removal of the material. “Due to the quantity and state of the chemical, the recommended evacuation area was established,” stated members from the police department.
Emergency services proceeded with diligence, working to come up with the best strategy for addressing the situation. The rapid response showcases the preparedness of local authorities to handle hazardous material incidents.
By the evening, the situation was brought under control, and the evacuation order was lifted. Local officials provided reassurance to the community, highlighting adherence to established chemical storage and safety protocols at the BIO during the incident.
This event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with chemical materials, as well as the importance of effective emergency response systems to safeguard community safety. The Bedford Institute, recognized for its research contributions, successfully navigated through this precarious situation, exemplifying the commitment to safety at such facilities.
Following the lifting of the evacuation order, officials confirmed there were no injuries or incidents reported, marking another aspect of the operation’s success. Authorities continuously monitor the site as part of standard safety measures and evaluations.
Residents are now returning to normal routines, largely due to the prompt actions and communication from local agencies. Authorities reiterated their gratitude to the community for their cooperation and patience throughout the incident.