Update – investigation of unusual odour in Middle Sackville

The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that the previously reported incident involving an unusual odour coming from the sewer system in the area of Claudia Crescent, Lucy Court, Flora Court and Old Sackville Drive in Middle Sackville, has been resolved and residents are returning to their homes.

At approximately 8:25 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, members of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency's (HRFE) Hazardous Materials team and RCMP members responded to several reports of an unusual odour, described by residents as a "chemical smell", originating from within certain homes and the sewer system in the area.

Self-evacuation

Approximately 70 households were affected. First responders conducted door-to-door notifications in the impacted area and residents self-evacuated as needed.

Halifax Water (HW) was also dispatched to the area to assist with the investigation, as the odour appeared to be originating from the sewer system.

To support those impacted, the municipality opened an evacuation centre at the Sackville Sports Stadium, 409 Glendale Drive, Lower Sackville. Approximately 15 residents utilized the evacuation centre overnight.

Situation resolved

Crews were able to isolate the source of the odour to a catch basin at the corner of Claudia Crescent and Flora Court and determined that it was a petroleum-based substance, although the exact material and quantity are unknown. Following standard response procedures, HW crews flushed additional water through the sewer system to isolate the material and then vacuumed the substance from the system for proper disposal.

At approximately 3 a.m., HRFE, in consultation with HW, determined that the situation was resolved. Residents from the affected area were subsequently notified that it was safe to return to their homes and HRFE and HW personnel departed the scene.

As the situation has been resolved and residents are able to return to their homes, the evacuation centre at the Sackville Sports Stadium will close this morning, as it is no longer required.

Reminder about disposing hazardous materials

The municipality reminds residents and businesses that hazardous materials, including petroleum-based substances (e.g. gasoline, diesel fuel, oils, solvents, etc.). should never be discharged into the wastewater system. Improper disposal of these substances can create public safety risks, impact the environment and disrupt municipal infrastructure. Residents should always use approved hazardous waste disposal services for these materials.

This will be the last public service announcement for this incident.