UPDATE: HYDROCHLORIC ACID SPILL IN SASKATOON
Emergency crews remain on scene dealing with the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred this morning on 50th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue.
The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the emergency response team and a private contractor are working to neutralize the spilled hydrochloric acid. This clean-up process may produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, businesses to the north and west of the spill are being asked to shut down and dismiss employees.
Plume modelling has been utilized to determine the area that needs to be evacuated. Plume modelling takes into consideration wind speed, whether there is a high or low pressure system in the area, the vapour density of the product and the natural terrain of the area. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service are going door to door to ask a small number of businesses in the affected area to leave as soon as possible. Notifynow, Saskatoon’s emergency notification system, has been used to contact affected businesses and residents.