Metro Vancouver has issued an air quality advisory for the region following an incident at Parkland Refining in Burnaby. The advisory is in effect for Metro Vancouver’s Northwest and Northeast areas.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, resulted in a strong chemical smell reported in Vancouver and across Metro Vancouver.
As the regulatory body responsible for issuing air emissions permits within the region, Metro Vancouver assesses whether requirements and bylaws are being met. Environmental regulation and enforcement officers are on site, collecting information and assessing compliance with Parkland Refining’s valid air quality permit.
Members of the public who smell the odor in their area are advised to move indoors if they are outdoors and close windows, doors, and air intakes to reduce their exposure to the odor. Those with chronic underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, and/or diabetes, or sensitive to fine particulate air pollution, are advised to reduce their outdoor physical activity until the advisory is lifted.
If experiencing chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or wheezing symptoms, limit physical activity and seek prompt medical attention. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Metro Vancouver issues Air Quality Bulletins to inform people about local, short-term air quality issues that are not widespread enough to trigger a broader Air Quality Advisory.
A ticking time bomb.