A chemical spill near Fredericton has forced roads to shut down.
According to New Brunswick’s Environment Department, officials were notified of a spill on the Vanier Highway (Route 7/Trans-Canada Highway Route 2) and Wilsey Road area on Thursday.
Preliminary testing has detected traces of sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and chromium, which could be harmful, according to the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NBEMO). It said the chromium spill was approximately 1,000 litres over about 14 kilometres.
On Saturday, NBEMO went to Level 2: Partial Activation, a status reserved for “more serious events that have a significant impact on critical infrastructure, municipalities and New Brunswick residents.” Members of the Provincial Emergency Action Committee (PEAC) provide support and NBEMO enhance staffing at this level.
The province announced three roads/lanes were closed in it’s Hazard Watch:
- Vanier Highway / Alison Blvd interchange will be fully closed in both directions.
- Trans-Canada Highway Route 2 from Alison Blvd interchange to Nevers Road interchange eastbound driving lane closed.
- Trans-Canada Highway Route 2 from Nevers Road interchange to Alison Blvd interchange westbound driving lane closed.
Officials noted a “onetime or short contact” with hexavalent chromium does not increase risk of cancer.
Samples of the substance have been sent to a lab for analysis.
On Saturday, the government said it confirmed with the City of Fredericton that water is not impacted, noting the health risks to this chemical spill remain very low.
“An environmental consultant is on site to assess any impacts on the surrounding environment,” said NBEMO.
“Testing and sampling are underway, and results will be shared with the public as soon as they are available.”
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has implemented restrictions on highway lanes and nearby interchanges while crews work to clean up the spill.
What to do if you’re impacted
Officials said anyone who may have travelled on the Vanier Highway between Fredericton and Oromocto or on Vanier Industrial Drive between Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March at 4 p.m. could be affected by the chemicals.
Public Health is advising anyone who travelled there during that time to take precautions, including:
- Avoid touching any visible residue on vehicles or other outdoor surfaces
- Keep children and pets away from any areas where residue may be present
- Wash hands thoroughly for 15 minutes with soap and water after touching your vehicle or other potentially affected surfaces
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with potentially affected surfaces until hands have been washed
- If the substance comes into contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for 15 minutes
Anyone experiencing persistent skin, eye or respiratory irritation should seek medical advice or call Tele-Care 811.
Additionally, the province has set up a car wash for affected vehicles off Alison Boulveard, near the on ramp to the eastbound lane on Highway 7. It will be open until 6:15 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Officials said only those with an affected vehicle should go to the decontamination site.
“If you have already washed your vehicle and there is yellow substance in your garage or yard, please contact EFI Global on their 24/7 Emergency Spill Line at 1-866-530-4086. Callers should indicate that they are contacting them regarding the chemical spill in Fredericton,” said a news release Saturday.
Callers will be asked to provide their name, address and contact information. EFI Global will then arrange a visit to their property to investigate the scene further.
“Staff working on the scene will be in personal protective equipment as they will be exposed for a longer period and to protect themselves,” said the news release.
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