Updated at 9 a.m.: This is the latest update from Vale:
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 6:00 a.m. to notify residents in the nearby area.
Emergency and Vale personnel are now satisfied that the NOx mist has dissipated given the wind speed and weather conditions and there is no risk of additional substance traveling beyond company boundaries. Therefore, there is no risk to the community. The Level 3 emergency therefore was declared ‘all clear’ at 8:26 a.m.
There are no reported injuries as a result of this incident.
If a person is exposed to a NOx, symptoms can include nose, throat, eye, skin and respiratory irritation. If these symptoms should occur, a person should find fresh air and flush any irritated area with water. If symptoms persist, a person should seek medical attention.
Additionally, the city is reporting all bus routes are back in operation.
Updated at 8: 44 a.m.: Police have now said the emergency has been downgraded to a level one from a level three. All roadways are now open, GSPS reports.
Updated at 8:34 a.m.: Greater Sudbury Police have now opened all roads except Big Nickel Mine Road, which remains closed at this time. Our reporter on the scene is reporting that sirens have now been stopped. No official all clear as of yet.
Updated at 8:10 a.m.: No traffic is moving in or out of Copper Cliff at this time as Greater Sudbury Police have shut down all roads into and out of the community following a release of nitrogen dioxide from Vale’s Copper Cliff smelter.
The leak occurred just before 7 a.m. this morning.
A plume of yellow smoke, no longer visible, hung over the smelter for some time before dispersing. Winds this morning are blowing towards the northeast at six kilometres an hour.
Greater Sudbury Fire Service, Greater Sudbury Police and Vale officials are on scene.
Big Nickel Mine Road is closed. Regional 55 in both directions is also closed. The Lasalle extension is closed at Frood Road, as is Elm Street at Big Nickel Mine Road.
Residents in the Copper Cliff area are being asked to remain indoors until further notice and close all doors, windows and turn off furnaces, windows, air conditioners and all other air intakes.
Police are asking people not to phone 911 for information. Information will be released as it becomes available.
According to Air Quality Ontario, nitrogen dioxide is toxic by inhalation. The compound is acrid and easily detectable by smell at low concentrations. However, low concentrations (4 ppm) will anesthetize the nose, thus creating a potential for overexposure. Symptoms of poisoning (lung edema) tend to appear several hours after inhalation of a low but potentially fatal dose.
Original story
A noxious gas has been released from Vale's Copper Cliff smelter police said Thursday morning.
Firefighters are on the scene investigating the problem, Greater Sudbury Police Staff Sgt. John McCormack said.
People in the vicinity are warned to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off any air intakes including air conditioners.
Reports on social media have said some people have spotted a yellow gas moving north of Copper Cliff. Police could not confirm the type of gas that escaped from the facility.
Vale spokesperson Angie Robson said in an email the company as declared a Level 3 emergency.
“Residents must remain inside until an ‘all clear message’ is broadcast and the air horn has stopped,” she said.
NorthernLife.ca will have more information as it becomes available.
