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Residents no longer asked to conserve their water use

Last Updated May 9, 2017 at 12:22 pm MDT

PHOTO. The Athabasca Water Treatment plant pictured in September 2012.

Operations have returned to normal at the Fort McMurray Water Treatment Plant.

There are no longer impacts to water supply, and residents and businesses can resume their regular water-use.

Sodium hypochlorite was accidentally transferred into the poly aluminum chloride bulk tank on May 8 during a routine chemical delivery at the Fort McMurray Water Treatment Plant.

The chemical reaction created chlorine gas which was released into the air, and as a result operations staff immediately shut down the plant following the incident.

Alberta Health Services was contacted, and they’re no concerns regarding the safety or quality of the water.

Emergency Services was contacted and an employee was treated as a precaution for inhalation concerns. The employee has since been released from care and no injuries were sustained.

As a precaution, staff working in the operations tower at the WTP were evacuated.

Non-essential staff was relieved of their duties, and core operations staff are working at a safe location nearby.

Emergency Services worked hard to ventilate and clear the area, allowing Water Treatment Staff to flush the system and resume normal operations.

Staff remained onsite throughout the evening to ensure water services are not interrupted.

For more information you can call the PULSE Line at 780-743-7000, or email recovery@rmwb.ca.