Two Squamish Landfill staff were taken to hospital for observation Saturday after exposure to an unidentified substance, the District of Squamish said Monday.
Over the weekend, District staff released a brief statement outlining that the landfill had been closed Saturday due to the presence of a substance and then reopened, but not much more information was released.
The Monday release states that on Sept. 21 at approximately 4 p.m., the Squamish Landfill was closed due to a chemical reaction caused by an unknown substance that was dropped off in the garbage disposal area of the landfill.
This resulted in landfill staff experiencing symptoms consistent with chemical exposure, District staff said.
The landfill was subsequently closed.
A hazardous materials team was brought to the landfill and later declared the site safe to reopen.
District staff were not able to confirm whether or not the chemical was ammonia, contrary to online chatter.
"This was an isolated incident and there are no further health or environmental concerns as the waste is now compacted in the landfill," a District release states.
District staff reminds residents that pesticides and flammable liquid such as paint thinner can be brought to the Squamish Landfill, however, it must be disposed of in the paint recycling area, and all products must be in the original container with the original label.
Products must not be leaking or improperly sealed and must display the flammable or poison symbol.
- Hot tub and pool chemicals can be dropped off or picked up by Hot Tub Recycling;
- Empty propane and butane containers may be brought to ASM Metals or the landfill for recycling.
For more information on how and where to dispose of other items, go here:
