Work continues Sunday following chemical spill near Fredericton

A car wash for vehicles impacted by a chemical spill near Fredericton will remain open Monday.

New Brunswick’s Environment Department said officials were notified on Thursday of a spill on the Vanier Highway (Route 7/Trans-Canada Highway Route 2) and Wilsey Road area.

As of Sunday, roads remained closed, though officials noted the remediation is nearing completion.

“In the coming days and weeks, monitoring, testing and remedial work will continue on the shoulders of the impacted roads,” said an update Sunday.

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.

Samples of the substance have been sent to a lab for analysis. Officials noted a “onetime or short contact” with hexavalent chromium does not increase risk of cancer.

NBEMO remained at a “Level 2 – Partial Activation” Sunday. That is a status reserved for “more serious events that have a significant impact on critical infrastructure, municipalities and New Brunswick residents.”

The province said it confirmed with the City of Fredericton that its drinking water system is not impacted and it is not anticipated that local wells will be impacted.

Car wash

The province set up a car wash Saturday for impacted vehicles.

It is located off Alison Boulevard, near the on ramp to the eastbound lane on Highway 7.

Officials said anyone who may have travelled on the Vanier Highway between Fredericton and Oromocto or on Vanier Industrial Drive between Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m. could be affected by the chemicals.

“This is for vehicles that are visibly showing yellow or orange staining,” said the update.

The car wash is open until 6 p.m. Sunday and will be open again Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.“

Staff working on the scene will be in personal protective equipment as they will be exposed for a longer period and to protect themselves.

”Officials said only those with an affected vehicle should go to the decontamination site.

On Saturday, the government said if someone already washed their vehicle at home and there is a yellow or orange substance in their garage or yard, they should contact EFI Global on its 24/7 Emergency Spill Line at 1-866-530-4086. EFI Global will then arrange a visit to their property to investigate.

Health risk ‘remains very low’

The province said anyone who travelled in the area during the spill and has been experiencing persistent skin, eye or respiratory irritation should seek medical advice or call Tele-Care 811.

Public Health is still encouraging people who were in the area 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

“If you did not come into direct contact with the chemicals and do not have residue on your car, your health risk remains very low,” said the province.

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