The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are investigating after a large quantity of hazardous materials were left in front of a business in Lumby yesterday.
Shortly before 9 a.m., on Monday, April 4th, 2022, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP received a report that a large number of containers filled with unknown chemicals were left in front of a business in the 1800-block of Miller Street in Lumby. A few of the containers were labelled hexane, ethanol, isopropyl, and formic acid, while others had no markings. The area was cordoned off and a hazardous materials team from the Ministry of Environment attended and safely removed the material. Two of the substances are confirmed to be petroleum and ethanol and the remainder have yet to be tested and identified.
We’re trying to determine the origin of these materials,
states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. We’d like to speak to the person who dropped them off, or anyone with information as to how they ended up outside of the location. We want to remind the public that if you are disposing of any hazardous materials, or any material that may be toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive, it needs to be done properly.
Additional information on safe disposal of materials can be found here.
To report pollution, call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).
Police Investigating Suspicious Occurrence
Shortly before 9 a.m., on Monday, April 4th, 2022, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP received a report that a large quantity of unknown suspected chemicals were left in front of a business in the 1800-block of Miller Street in Lumby. After responding the location, frontline officers cordoned off the area, and as a precaution, a nearby residence and several businesses have been evacuated. The area will remain cordoned off until a hazardous materials team and representatives from the Ministry of Environment arrive to complete their assessment of the situation. We are asking the public to avoid the area until further notice.