**** HRM Media Release
Chemical spill at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography
At approximately 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 911 received a call from the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) about a chemical spill in the BOI building that involved formaldehyde.
Members of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency initially responded to secure the scene and determined that a chemical spill had not occurred. Instead, firefighters found a 250 ml container of picric acid that was dry. In a dry state, this chemical is highly explosive.
Due to the quantity and state of the chemical, the recommended evacuation area was established and this included a portion of the MacKay Bridge.
Given the nature of the chemical, Halifax Regional Police have deployed members of their Explosive Disposal Unit who are currently at the BOI to determine if the chemical can be safely removed and when the evacuation order for the area can be lifted.
More information will be provided once the situation is resolved.
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