Investigators are looking at a buildup of methane gas as the possible cause of an explosion and fire that occurred at a wastewater treatment plant in Pickering on Tuesday morning, a fire official says.
The explosion blew a hole in the roof of an unoccupied building, allowing black smoke to billow into the air until the blaze was extinguished. The small building contains a biofilter that is used to control foul odours.
Despite the incident, the plant is still operating and the water supply was not affected, officials said.
Shortly after the explosion was reported, Durham Regional Police spokeswoman Sgt. Nancy van Rooy said all employees were accounted for and no one was injured.
Van Rooy said no homes or businesses had to be evacuated.
She said several residents called 911 to report a loud explosion that rattled their homes or businesses.
Firefighters were called to the explosion and fire at the sprawling Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant at about 9:20 a.m.
The sewage treatment facility is located on the shore of Lake Ontario and is jointly owned by the municipalities of York and Durham.
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