WorkSafeBC is in the final remediation process of some of the equipment at the Fernie Memorial Arena, and are notifying residents that they may see increased activity at the site.
The group has been working in partnership with the RCMP and Technical Safety BC to investigate the cause of the ammonia leak that occurred in October.
“Because of the complexity…we don’t have a strict timeline,” said Trish Knight Chernecki, media relations with WorkSafeBC.
Speaking about the complexity of the ongoing investigation, Chernecki said that there are a number of different steps to complete in the investigation process and can not pin down a date when they would be wrapping up.
“Our investigations department wanted to just make awareness if anybody hears things or smells odours, that it’s under control and monitored,” she said, in regards to the information notice they released. “We just have to let it take the time that it takes.”
The RCMP have completed their onsite investigation and have passed jurisdiction over to WorkSafe BC to lead the other agencies, including Technical Safety BC, who are conducting on-site investigations of the machinery involved.
The RCMP are continuing their investigations even after releasing the site to WorkSafeBC.
“This is something we have a lot of resources around at this time,” said Chernecki, explaining that WorkSafeBC staff are on site on a regular basis.
“There will not be any impact or hazard to the community-at-large during these activities,” they wrote, in an information update through the City of Fernie.
The site will continue to have 24-hour security and atmospheric monitoring for the duration of the investigation.
More updates will follow as new information is released.