Wood Buffalo faces environment act charges

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is facing four charges under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and one charge related to the transportation of dangerous goods for alleged offences that occurred in 2017.

In a release Tuesday, the province said the alleged offences happened from May 8 to 17, 2017. Charges under the EPEA relate to:

■ release of a substance that could potentially cause a significant adverse effect;

■ release of a substance into a waterworks system that could cause potable water to be unfit;

■ release of a substance into a waterworks system that could cause variance from allowed concentrations;

■ failure to comply with an approval requiring the approval holder not to allow non-conforming chemicals in the waterworks system.

According to a release from Wood Buffalo, on the morning of May 8, 2017, there was a routine chemical delivery at the Fort Mcmurray treatment plant.

During the delivery “sodium hypochlorite was accidentally transferred into the poly aluminum chloride bulk tank. The chemical reaction created chlorine gas that was released into the air.” The plant was shut down immediately.

Emergency services were called. An employee was treated for inhalation concerns but was uninjured.

Wood Buffalo also faces dangerous good charges related to ensuring the unloading connections were inspected so that transported goods were discharged into the proper receiving line.

Wood Buffalo officials are expected in Fort Mcmurray court July 17.