Calgary Fire Department responses to Water Treatment plant for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) release

At approximately 11:45 this morning the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) responded to the Bears Paw Water Treatment Plant for reports of a large CO2 release. Upon arrival the crews were met by the Plant maintenance workers and informed that all twelve employees had evacuated the plant and were accounted for. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that whist doing routine maintenance on the fire suppression system, a large volume of Carbon Dioxide was accidentally released into the plant. CO2 extinguishes a fire by displacing the oxygen that feeds it; this process also posed a threat to the Plant workers. The CFD Hazardous Material Team, utilizing their Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and air monitoring equipment entered the plant to access the scene. The building was ventilated using power fans and continued until the CO2 levels dropped to a safe limit. At this, the maintenance crew has been allowed to re-enter the plant. There were no injuries and Alberta Environment was contacted prior to the CO2 being removed from the plant.