Abbotsford activates Emergency Operations Centre following chemical spill
ABBOTSFORD — The City of Abbotsford has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) following a chemical spill at Stoney Creek. The EOC was activated early Thursday (Jul. 4) in response to what the City is describing as an accidental release of Phos-Chek, a class A/B firefighting foam.
The chemical escaped from a disconnected hose and entered the storm drain and subsequently the waterway. The City says it became aware of the situation late Wednesday.
The City is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to ensure the spill is fully contained and remediated. To tackle the situation, the City has contracted Quantum Murray Environmental, a prominent Canadian environmental and industrial services company.
Quantum Murray Environmental has begun implementing a treatment plan that includes installing special fencing to restrict access to the area for fish and other waterborne species, and rerouting fresh water. Fish and other water species will be closely monitored to minimize impact. A 24-hour water treatment system is being set up at the park to continuously monitor and treat the water quality. This system will handle water testing and operate vacuum and flush trucks to remove any remaining residue.