ON Sunday morning, Metro Vancouver was advised of an incident taking place at Parkland Refining in Burnaby, which resulted in a strong chemical odour being reported in some areas of the region.
Metro Vancouver has received more than 100 odour complaints from Vancouver and Burnaby.
Metro Vancouver is responsible for issuing air emissions permits within the region, and assessing whether the requirements and bylaws are being met. Environmental regulation and enforcement officers are on site assessing the situation and collecting information.
Parkland Refining holds a valid air quality permit with Metro Vancouver, and officers are assessing compliance with that permit, which will be an ongoing process.
Air quality bulletin in effect for:
- Metro Vancouver – Northwest
- Metro Vancouver – Northeast
If members of the public smell the odour in their area, they can move inside if they are outdoors, and close windows, doors, and air intakes to reduce their exposure to the odour.
If you have chronic underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, and/or diabetes or are sensitive to fine particulate air pollution, you may wish to reduce your outdoor physical activity until this bulletin is lifted. If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or wheezing, limit physical activity and seek prompt medical attention. Call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.
Metro Vancouver issues Air Quality Bulletins as a way to keep people informed about local, short-term air quality issues that are not widespread enough to trigger a broader Air Quality Advisory.
Information about real-time air quality readings for Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley communities and potential health impacts can be found at airmap.ca and env.gov.bc.ca/epd/
To sign up for air quality alerts in your area, go to:Â metrovancouver.org/services/
