All roads in the Copper Cliff area are now open in the area and bus routes are back on schedule. Photo by Jonathan Migneault.
A noxious gas has been released from Vale's Copper Cliff smelter police said Thursday morning.
Firefighters were on the scene investigating the problem, Greater Sudbury Police Staff Sgt. John McCormack said.
Early Thursday morning, people in the vicinity were warned to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off any air intakes including air conditioners due to the sighting of an unsual cloud in the vicinity.
Vale spokesperson Angie Robson said in an email the company has declared a Level 3 emergency.
"During the planned maintenance period of the Vale Acid Plant in Copper Cliff, there was a release of nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide (NOx) mist. Emergency measures were activated and as a precaution a Level 3 emergency was called," Vale said in a media statement Thursday morning describing the incident.
Vale officials state the emergency air horn was sounded at approximately 6:00 a.m. to notify residents in the nearby area.
"Emergency and Vale personnel are now satisfied that the NOx mist has dissipated given the wind speed and weather conditions and there is no risk of additional substance traveling beyond company boundaries. Therefore, there is no risk to the community. The Level 3 emergency therefore was declared ‘all clear’ at 8:26 a.m," Vale added in the release.
There are no reported injuries as a result of this incident.
Additionally, the city of Greater Sudbury is reporting all bus routes are back in operation.
