‘Propane release event’ temporarily stops operations at export terminal in Prince Rupert, B.C.

The Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal in Prince Rupert, B.C., is seen in this photo from its operator's website. (altagas.ca)

The Prince Rupert Port Authority says “all terminal operations were suspended” on Ridley Island Wednesday morning due to a “propane release event.”

In a post on social media late Wednesday morning, the authority said the situation had “stabilized” and terminal operations were “in the process of resuming.”

“All safety and emergency protocols were followed, and no injuries were reported in relation to the event,” the post reads.

Ridley Island is home to a propane export terminal operated by AltaGas, capable of shipping up to 1.2 million tonnes of propane overseas annually.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said the “unintended release of propane” occurred around 6:20 a.m.

“We identified the source of the release and safely evacuated personnel from the site, without injury,” the statement reads. “As of 8:47 a.m. PT, AltaGas contained and isolated the source of the release and will be standing down our emergency response plan.”

The company said it is engaging with governments, regulators and local communities as it works to resume normal operations.

“Our priority remains focused on the safety of people, communities and the environment,” the spokesperson said.

“We are continuing to monitor air quality and have not seen any levels of concern. Winds in the area are further helping dissipate the vapour cloud and we do not expect further emergency response or evacuations are required.”

The District of Port Edward, which borders Prince Rupert and the port, described the situation as a “leak” in a statement on its website, saying that the leak “is currently under control, and there is no risk to Port Edward at this time.”

Images posted on social media showed a white cloud of propane gas gathered around the terminal.