City to host press conference on gas leak

The City of Greater Sudbury is holding a press conference at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre at 1 p.m. regarding a nitrogen dioxide leak that occurred in Copper Cliff Thursday morning.

During the planned maintenance period of the Vale Acid Plant in Copper Cliff, there was a release of nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide (NOx) mist. Emergency measures were activated and as a precaution a Level 3 emergency was called.

The emergency air horn was sounded at approximately 6 a.m. to notify residents in the nearby area.

At 8:26 a.m., Vale officials said the mist had dissipated given the wind speed and weather conditions and there added there was no risk of additional substance traveling beyond company boundaries. The company lifted its level 3 emergency at that time.

Vale spokesperson Angie Robson said officials with the company will be at the afternoon press conference to answer questions from media.

Representatives with the Greater Sudbury Police Service and the Sudbury and District Health Unit will also be available for comment.

NorthernLife.ca is looking to bring you the press conference live. Look for the Live link near the top of the homepage on the right just before 1 p.m.