FortisBC has now released details into what was a strong gas odour throughout South Delta that opened up a lot of speculation on social media Tuesday afternoon.
“FortisBC crews responded to reports of gas odour at the FortisBC Interconnect Station in Ladner earlier today (Tuesday),” said FortisBC spokesperson Gary Toft in an email to the Optimist. “Our crews were on site at approximately 12:30 p.m. to investigate. We take all reports of gas odour very seriously. Public and employee safety is our top priority.
“Our first job is to make the situation safe and determine the best way to stop the leak. The next step is to stop the gas leak and start repairs.”
He said FortisBC was conducting a controlled release of gas and identified a minor secondary leak, which is now under control and crews will be starting necessary repairs.
“The leak contained a high concentration of odorant that we add to natural gas,” he said. “We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause residents and commuters in the area.”
FortisBC would like to remind everyone that if you smell rotten eggs or hear the sound of escaping gas, stop what you’re doing, go outside and dial 9-1-1 or call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line.
More information on natural gas safety is available at fortisbc.com.
Harvie not happy with FortisBC response
Delta Mayor George Harvie released a statement on the response from FortisBC and he was not pleased.
“It is unacceptable that Delta residents and businesses were left in the dark about a very serious gas odour that spread throughout Delta earlier today. It took Fortis BC over four hours after initial reports before they made a public statement,” said Harvie. “Delta Police and Delta Fire were bombarded with calls about the odour and Delta Fire crews attended to each of these calls to ensure there was no on-site gas leak. The failure of Fortis BC to communicate this gas odour leak had a serious impact on our emergency services whose resources should be dedicated to real emergencies.
“This is an egregious oversight by Fortis BC, who have a responsibility to inform the public about any leaks or deficiencies. The stress and panic that this incident caused to both the public and our first responders was completely unnecessary. That is why I have asked our City Manager to conduct a full review into what caused the gas odour leak and why it took over four hours for Fortis BC to inform anyone about it. Fortis BC must be accountable for their delay in response causing confusion and alarm in our community.”
BC Ferries keeping foot passengers inside
In a post on X, BC Ferries says all foot passengers are being advised to stay indoors as much as possible at the Tsawwassen terminal and vehicle passengers should roll up their windows to avoid the smell.
-with files from Sandor Gyarmati
