Toxic Fire at Summerside solar farm still active two weeks on
With the fire at Summerside’s Sunbank solar farm burning for nearly two weeks, both the city and the province are continuing to monitor conditions at the site.
Summerside and the P.E.I. government said in a joint news release that the situation is stable, with air-quality being monitored and reviewed by public health officials. The province’s Chief Public Health Office recommends air-quality testing continue at the site.
Testing indicates there is no evidence of health risks to residents, while Summerside’s drinking water is safe for consumption, according to the release.
“I have reviewed the air-quality monitoring results from last week and have continued to monitor the information as it becomes available,” Dr. Heather Morrison, the province’s chief public health officer, said in the release.
“Based on the results to date, residents of Summerside should feel confident in the quality of both the air and drinking water and can continue their normal day-to-day activities.”
-
Flare-ups, smoke still expected as Summerside solar farm fire continues into second week
-
Summerside solar farm fire contained to single battery cell as burn-out enters 7th day
The Summerside Fire Department continues to monitor the scene, and the release notes that battery fires can burn for longer than traditional structure fires.
“The health and safety of our residents remains our top priority,” Deputy Mayor Cory Snow said in the release.
“The city will continue to work closely with provincial partners and technical experts as we assess results and plan for ongoing monitoring.”
The release states that the city is developing a “longer-term environmental monitoring plan” for the area surrounding the site, which will include ongoing air, water and soil sampling. Those samples will be reviewed by provincial environmental and public health officials, with an aim to identify and monitor potential affects.
It’s still recommended that anyone sensitive to smoke or who have respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities if they experience irritation or symptoms.
Residents with outdoor gardens are warned of possible “deposition of particles” on the surface of fruits and vegetables. The release recommends thorough washing before eating, along with removing outer layers of produce that can’t be easily washed, such as lettuce or cabbage.
Properly washed produce is not expected to pose health risks, the release states.
The fire at the Sunbank solar farm broke out on Labour Day and led to a shelter in place order and voluntary evacuation notice for nearby residents because of possible toxic smoke. The city later lifted those orders on the advice of P.E.I.’s Chief Public Health Office. (Tony Davis/CBC)
City officials believe the fire started around 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 7 in a battery at the Sunbank.
It brought about a shelter in place order and voluntary evacuation notice for nearby residents because of possible toxic smoke.
It also resulted in a delay to the start of the school year, with in the Three Oaks family of schools and French-language École-sur-Mer cancelled, as well as the closure of multiple businesses and Credit Union Place.
On Sept. 10, Morrison recommended schools welcome back students, stating that smoke from the fire and its toxic chemicals quickly dissipate outdoors. Schools in the area reopened the following day.
source www.cbc.ca