Construction is underway to remedy a hydrogen sulfide leak in a geothermal system at Brantford Collegiate Institute.
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Principal Michael Degroote sent an email Wednesday to parents of BCI students saying that low levels of hydrogen sulfide – also called sewer gas – were detected over the summer while repairs were being made to the geothermal system beneath the school’s sports field.
“There are no immediate health risks to staff, students, or the community,” Degroote said. “The Grand Erie District School Board is working with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Brant County Health Unit, an environmental consultant, and Brantford Fire Services to continue monitoring the levels of hydrogen sulfide gas.”
The principal said a small portion of the system is being decommissioned to eliminate future risks, and there should be no significant impact on day-to-day operations at the school.
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The location of the source of the gas is about 100 feet away from the school building.
“The Grand Erie District School Board hired an environmental consultant to review and verify the presence of gas,” said Ryan Strang, senior communications manager for the school board. “The highest level detected was 5 PPM (parts per million) in the ground and 0 PPM above ground – with no health risks to staff, students, or the community.”
Information on the Canadian Center for Occupational Safety website states that the short-term exposure limit for hydrogen sulfide has a ceiling of 5 PPM, according to exposure limits recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
Inhalation is considered very toxic, leading to severe irritation of the nose and throat. Headaches, dizziness, staggering, sudden collapse, unconsciousness, and death may result, and long-term damage to lungs and the nervous system can occur as the result of a severe short-term exposure.
“We continue to have environmental contractors on-site measuring – twice daily in multiple locations of the property – and have seen no changes,” Strang noted. “Safety has been, and will continue to be, our top priority for students, staff and community.”
The field has been fenced off and locked to prevent access near the work area.
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