A petroleum-based substance discharged into a Halifax-area sewer system prompted the evacuation of residents from about 70 households and an overnight hazardous materials response before crews removed the material.
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency’s hazardous materials team and RCMP responded at approximately 8:25 p.m. on September 24 to reports of an unusual “chemical smell” in homes and the sewer system in Middle Sackville.
First responders went door to door notifying residents in the affected area, with residents self-evacuating as needed. The Halifax Regional Municipality opened an evacuation centre at the Sackville Sports Stadium in Lower Sackville, which was used by approximately 15 residents overnight.
Halifax Water was called to assist after the odour appeared to be originating from the sewer system.
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Crews eventually traced the source to a catch basin at the corner of Claudia Crescent and Flora Court, where they identified a petroleum-based substance. The exact material and quantity remain unknown.
“Our members, including our specially trained Hazardous Materials Technicians, worked through the night as part of a prolonged response to identify the hazard, monitor conditions and help keep residents in the affected area safe,” said Halifax Professional Fire Fighters in a statement.
Halifax Water crews flushed additional water through the sewer system to isolate the material before vacuuming it from the system for proper disposal.
At approximately 3 a.m. the following morning, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, in consultation with Halifax Water, determined the situation had been resolved. Residents were notified that it was safe to return to their homes and the evacuation centre was subsequently closed.
Following the incident, the municipality reminded residents and businesses that petroleum products and other hazardous materials should never be discharged into wastewater systems. Gasoline, diesel fuel, oils and solvents can create public safety and environmental risks and disrupt municipal infrastructure when improperly disposed of, the municipality said in a statement. Hazardous materials should instead be taken to approved disposal facilities.
