An evacuation order has been lifted in Dartmouth, N.S., following a chemical spill incident at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) on Wednesday afternoon. The emergency situation prompted officials to issue alerts around 4:20 PM, urging the public to avoid the area.
The initial alert indicated a 250-metre mandatory evacuation surrounding the institute, including the MacKay Bridge, which was closed during the response efforts. This precautionary measure was taken to secure the scene until it was deemed safe.
Halifax Regional Municipality stated, “A 250 metre mandatory evacuation is in place and will remain until the scene is secure. This includes the MacKay Bridge.” These warnings came as traffic was heavy due to the afternoon commute, causing significant gridlock.
The urgency of the situation heightened as emergency services responded to reports of a chemical spill involving formaldehyde. According to the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, firefighters discovered not formaldehyde but rather “a 250 ml container of picric acid, which was dry. This chemical is highly explosive.” The municipality's swift response helped to mitigate potential dangers during the incident.
Just before 6 PM, the evacuation order was lifted, and the MacKay Bridge was reopened, allowing traffic to resume. The area was temporarily closed for investigation to assess the chemical threat. A spokesperson for Halifax Regional Municipality explained, “Given the nature of the chemical, Halifax Regional Police have deployed members of their Explosive Disposal Unit who are currently at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography to determine if the chemical can be safely removed.”
The incident led Nova Scotia Power to cut electricity to nearly 400 customers nearby as part of the safety protocols during the crisis, which was referred to as an “emergency outage for public safety.” Power was restored around 6 PM, post assessment of the situation.
Statements from Fisheries and Oceans Canada revealed more about the nature of the chemical involved, noting, “No chemical was spilled; instead, we identified crystallization of normally safe chemical solution which is 75% Picric Acid.” They affirmed adherence to established chemical storage and occupational health and safety protocols at BIO.
Throughout the ordeal, there were no reported injuries or accidents, highlighting the efficiency of emergency services and effective communication from local authorities. A municipality's news release reassured residents stating, “Residents within the Ocean Breeze neighbourhood are not within the mandatory evacuation area and are not impacted by the spill.”
The Bedford Institute of Oceanography is Canada’s largest centre for ocean research and also houses some Canadian Coast Guard operations. This incident raised concerns about chemical safety, but the quick response from Halifax's emergency services demonstrated preparedness and the importance of public safety during hazardous situations.
Overall, the authority's prompt actions ensured the safety of both workers at the institute and the public, with accurate assessments conducted swiftly to avoid potential calamities. Residents are now encouraged to remain vigilant and informed about chemical safety protocols as the inquiry continues.