News releases
Site cleanup plan
Air monitoring and debris test reports
Ministry of the Environment Orders
February 24, 2009
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Update
On September 24, 2008 the City of Toronto finished its cleanup of the propane explosion site on Murray Road and the surrounding neighbourhood to help this Downsview neighbourhood and the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) turned the site over to the property owner.
A summary of the City action to assist this neighbourhood last summer is available here.
Potential property tax reduction for severely impacted homes
City Council may cancel, reduce or refund taxes in cases where, during the taxation year, a property undergoes changes such as when it is damaged or razed by fire or demolition, becomes exempt from taxation, or is reclassified due to a change in use. Homes that have been damaged to the point where they cannot be occupied over a period of months may qualify.
Applications for the 2008 taxation year for properties that have been affected by the blast must be filed with the City by the deadline of March 2, 2009. Proof of damages which support the claim that the property was made uninhabitable by the blast (i.e. insurance and/or other reports) must accompany the application. Applications can be obtained by visiting the City’s website at http://www.toronto.ca/taxes/property_tax/forms.htm#appeals or by calling a Customer Service Representative at 416-338-4829 or by visiting a Tax/Utility Enquiry Counter at Civic Centres or Toronto City Hall.
If taxpayers believe their 2009 assessment value does not reflect the damages to the property caused by the blast, they must apply to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) by March 31, 2009 to have the assessment value reconsidered. Information and application forms to initiate a Request for Reconsideration with MPAC can be obtained by contacting MPAC at 1-866-296-MPAC (6722) or on-line at www.mpac.ca.
Site cleanup
City cleanup of the explosion site in 2008 included action to address not only the propane cylinders but other tanks containing harmless, pressurized gasses including oxygen, helium and carbon dioxide. The tanks did not pose any risk of fire and were drained as a safety precaution to eliminate the possibility that their lids could become dislodged.
Tanks and items like scrap metal were required by court order to remain on site to allow various groups including insurance companies to complete their investigations. These investigations continue. When the court order is lifted, the property owner is expected to communicate this to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment prior to continuing the work to clean up the site.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has provided an update, and has not issued any new orders against the property since September 16, 2008.
When the City stepped in to address safety issues on the site in the absence of required action by the propane company owners, the City built a dyke on the southwest corner of property to retain water on the site. Through an order from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment the property owner is responsible for site management for items including dust control and management of surface water.
Neighbourhood cleanup
The site clean up included the recent removal of dead trees on Murray Road. City staff will return in the spring to check additional trees during the pruning season.
Area homes
Around the site there were six homes heavily impacted by the explosion and the City issued work orders for immediate repairs and/or to secure the homes to protect the public. All homes were inspected after the fire and were secured to ensure public safety for those who may walk up to the homes. It is up to the home owners to make decisions about the use of their private property. One of the homes continues to have an order against it for conditions inside the home that will not impact public safety in or around the property.
Following the explosion City staff worked promptly to seek out people with homes heavily impacted by the incident, explained the building permit process to them and expedited the processing of building permits for those residents. To date all building permits received for homes damaged as a result of the explosion have been approved by the City. As of February 23, 2009 there were no building permit requests for homes damaged by the explosion awaiting City approval.
Zoning Review
The City is reviewing the allowances for industrial uses within residential areas as part of a proposed new City zoning bylaw. A draft of the new zoning bylaw will be distributed for public comment this spring in anticipation of consideration by Council this fall.
September 23, 2008
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Update
After the explosion and fire at the Sunrise propane facility on Murray Road, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) issued orders to the property owner and former operator of the propane facility regarding the neighbourhood and site cleanup. The MOE advised the City that these orders were not being followed in a timely way and so to ensure the cleanup was done quickly, the City of Toronto took over.
The City has now completed the cleanup of the site and the surrounding neighbourhood to remove debris that could have posed a risk to the community. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has released the site to the property owner. The owner of the property has given notice of termination of its lease with Sunrise Propane. The property owner must now comply with conditions under an order from the Ministry of Environment, which include providing 24-hour security, dust control and outdoor air monitoring. They must also submit a Site Management Plan to the MOE.
Neighbourhood cleanup
The City hired licensed professional environmental cleanup and disposal crews to ensure the cleanup was done quickly. Approximately 100 to 120 workers assisted with cleaning up the neighbourhood.
Crews cleaned the roads, sidewalks, and then the outside of almost 580 homes (including front and back yards). Trees and shrubs were inspected and any visible debris from the explosion was removed. Filter cloths were also temporarily added to the downspouts of some homes to prevent any residual debris from being released into the surrounding area.
In addition to the residential properties, the City also inspected and cleaned the Ancaster Community Centre and Child Care Centre, including the playground, sand and surrounding parkland, as well as nearby schools and a church. Air quality tests inside and outside the Ancaster Community Centre and Child Care Centre showed levels of asbestos well within acceptable levels as set out by the provincial government. Sand was tested after the clean up and no asbestos was found.
Site cleanup
The City also hired licensed professional environmental cleanup and disposal crews to clean up the site of the explosion.
Propane and other tanks containing compressed gasses were removed, as well as any debris found on-site that could have posed a risk to the community. Crews also released the pressure in almost 1,000 tanks that contained harmless pressurized gasses. The gasses were oxygen, nitrogen, helium and carbon dioxide. None of these gasses are flammable and therefore did not pose any danger of an explosion or fire at any time. Releasing the pressure in these tanks was a safety precaution to eliminate any possibility that the lids on the tanks could become dislodged.
Now that the site is safe and the first phase of cleanup is complete, the Office of Ontario Fire Marshall has turned the site over to the property owner, who is responsible for any further cleanup that may be necessary.
Air quality testing
Environmental consultants hired by the City of Toronto tested outdoor air for asbestos in many locations throughout the community, and also took indoor air samples in 49 homes and some city facilities. All indoor and outdoor test results met the provincial standards for asbestos.
We are all exposed to very small amounts of asbestos in the air and soil every day. Testing showed that the levels of asbestos in this community are similar to other places in North America.
Health effects from asbestos related to this explosion are highly unlikely. Health effects are seen in people who work with asbestos and are exposed to high levels over long periods of time.
Information on test results is available on the City’s web site.
If you have concerns or believe you have any debris from the explosion on your property, contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 and someone will be sent to inspect your property.
Next Steps
Review of zoning bylaws
The Mayor has requested that the review of zoning bylaws that is currently underway be fast-tracked and that the City examine all land uses and regulations that may involve propane use and storage.
Fire Marshal’s investigation
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal was on-site during the entire cleanup operation and continues to investigate the cause of the explosion.
Ontario government review of propane regulation
The Ontario government has announced that it is conducting an independent review of storage, handling, location and transport of propane in Ontario. The 45-day review is expected to report back to the Minister of Small Business and Consumer Services in late October.
Operation of Sunrise Propane
The Ontario Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates fuel suppliers and storage facilities. TSSA has suspended the operations of Sunrise Propane at three sites:
- 54 Murray Road
- 1201 Dundas Street East Toronto
- 3171 Derry Road East, Mississauga.
The owner of the 54 Murray Rd. property has given notice of termination of its lease with Sunrise Propane.
| September 15, 2008 |
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Update
After the explosion and fire occurred at the propane facility on Murray Road, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) issued orders regarding the neighbourhood cleanup and site cleanup.
The MOE advised the City that these orders were not being followed in a timely way and therefore, to ensure the cleanup was done quickly, the City of Toronto took over the cleanup of both the neighbourhood and the site of the explosion.
Since the explosion, Toronto Fire Services and the Ontario Fire Marshal have been on the site every day.
The City hired outside environmental experts to test outside air quality and air quality inside almost 50 homes. While the City cannot post the results of testing in individual homes, we have informed all homeowners about the results of the tests. In addition, the City tested the air and soil in the surrounding neighbourhood, including inside and outside the Ancaster Community Centre and Child Care Centre. All testing showed levels of asbestos well within acceptable levels as set out by the provincial government.
In addition, after the area was thoroughly cleaned, the City directed the environmental consultants to undertake further laboratory testing of the sand in the Ancaster playground. The results of the additional testing show that the sand in the playground is safe and the City's Medical Officer of Health has confirmed the sand is safe.
As homeowners work with their insurance companies to begin repairs and construction on some homes in the area, contractors may post signs outside of the homes in which they are working that state there is asbestos in the home. Asbestos already exists in construction materials such as drywall and insulation and can become loose when construction in a home takes place. If such asbestos is detected, then contractors are required by law to post a sign. This is not asbestos from the site of the explosion and contractors must work according to Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Environment standards.
Review of zoning bylaws
The Mayor has requested that the review of zoning bylaws that is currently underway be fast-tracked and that the City examine all land uses and regulations that may involve propane use and storage.
Neighbourhood cleanup
On August 13, 2008, the MOE issued an order to Sunrise Propane to clean up asbestos and other debris from the explosion that was on the site and in the surrounding neighbourhood. When no assurances were provided that the neighbourhood would be cleaned up in a timely way, the City hired licensed professional environmental cleanup and disposal crews to carry out the required work.
The City has cleanup powers under the Environmental Protection Act to protect the natural environment and prevent any adverse effects. In consultation with the MOE, the City decided to exercise those powers to ensure the neighbourhood was cleaned up quickly and safely.
Prior to the neighbourhood cleanup getting underway, Toronto Fire Services and City staff went door-to-door to give residents approximately 24 hours notice before the crews would be in their area, and Toronto Public Health opened a telephone line to respond to health questions and questions related to the cleanup operation. The City also delivered several flyers to every home in the affected area with information and updates on the status of the cleanup activities, and continues to ensure all information is posted on the City's website, including air quality and other test results, and the MOE orders.
To conduct the extensive cleanup, streets were blocked off as crews worked from Murray Road to Beffort Road, and from Regent Road to Gilley Road. Crews started by cleaning the roads and sidewalks, and then the outside of almost 580 homes (including front and back yards, roofs and eaves troughs). Trees and shrubs were inspected and any visible debris from the explosion was removed. Filter cloths were also temporarily added to the downspouts of some homes to prevent any residual debris from being washed down into the City's storm sewer system after it rained.
In addition to the residential properties, the City also visually inspected and cleaned the Ancaster Community Centre and Child Care Centre, including the playground, sand and surrounding parkland, as well as nearby schools and a church. The asbestos that was found was easily removed because the substance was clearly visible due to its consistency and off-white colour.
Following the completion of the residential cleanup, crews conducted a final check of the area to ensure all debris was removed and that no equipment or materials from the cleanup were left behind.
Approximately 100 to 120 workers assisted with cleaning up the neighbourhood.
Site cleanup
On August 21, 2008, the MOE issued a further order to Sunrise Propane and the property owners to immediately hire a qualified consultant and develop plans for securing the explosion site, controlling dust and monitoring air quality. When the MOE advised that the order would not be complied with in a timely way, the City announced it was taking over the cleanup of the explosion site, and moved to hire licensed professional environmental cleanup and disposal crews to carry out the work.
As part of the site cleanup, propane and other tanks containing compressed gasses were removed, as well as any debris that may have been found on-site that could have posed a risk to the community. Crews also released the pressure in almost 1,000 tanks that contained harmless pressurized gasses. The gasses were oxygen, nitrogen, helium and carbon dioxide. None of these gasses are flammable and therefore did not pose any danger of an explosion or fire at any time. Releasing the pressure of these tanks was a safety precaution to eliminate any possibility that the lids on the tanks could become dislodged.
Next steps
The cleanup of the explosion site is almost complete. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal and Toronto Fire Services have been on-site during the entire cleanup operation, and a fire command centre has been set up at 64 Murray Road where residents can speak to officials with any questions or concerns they may have.
The City of Toronto continues to work closely with both the Ministry of Labour and the MOE. Once the cleanup is completed and the site is determined to be completely safe it will be turned back over to the property owner.
| September 10, 2008 |
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Update
As part of the City-led neighbourhood cleanup operation, crews have completed their inspection of the surrounding residential roofs and all debris has been removed.
Cleaning crews will be returning to some area homes to remove filter cloths from downspouts. Filter cloths were added to the downspouts of some homes to prevent any residual debris from being washed down into the City’s storm sewer system after it rains.
The cleaning crews will be returning to those properties this afternoon and tomorrow, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., to remove the filters. If necessary, the work will continue on Monday, September 15.
The cleanup of the site of the explosion and fire is well underway. Workers continue to release the pressure in the 800 to 1,000 tanks on the site that contain harmless pressurized gasses. These gasses are oxygen, nitrogen, helium and carbon dioxide. None of these gasses are flammable and therefore there is no danger of an explosion or fire from these gasses. These gasses are odourless and cannot be seen in the air.
Releasing the pressure in these tanks may create a noise that is similar to a train whistle.
The City of Toronto continues to work with both the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of the Environment, and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal and Toronto Fire Services remain onsite.
Residents with any questions or concerns may speak to fire officials at the 64 Murray Road fire command centre.
| September 8, 2008 |
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Update
The cleanup of the site of the explosion and fire is continuing.
As part of the work being done at the site, workers will begin releasing the pressure in tanks that contain harmless pressurized gasses. These gasses are oxygen, nitrogen, helium and carbon dioxide. None of these gasses are flammable and therefore there is no danger of an explosion or fire from these gasses.
While the gas in the tanks is not dangerous, it is necessary to empty the tanks and eliminate any possibility that the lids on the tanks could become dislodged. This work is a safety precaution that will ensure the site remains safe.
Releasing the pressure in these tanks creates a noise that is similar to a train whistle. Residents close to the site will hear the noise and others further away may hear nothing. None of these gasses can be seen in the air and none of the gasses create any smell.
The work will begin at approximately 11:00 a.m. today and run until approximately 4:30 p.m. and then 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day following until the 800 to 1000 tanks are emptied. The work will take place each day until completed.
Both the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Environment are aware of this work and the Ontario Fire Marshal and Toronto Fire Services continue to remain onsite.
Residents with any questions or concerns may speak to fire officials at the 64 Murray Road fire command centre.
September 5, 2008
Cleanup of the site of the propane explosion and fire continues
On August 29, 2008 the City of Toronto announced that it was immediately taking over the cleanup of the site of the August 10, 2008 explosion and fire. The site includes the private property on which Sunrise Propane was operating. The cleanup of the surrounding neighbourhood was also previously taken over by the City and was completed on August 22, 2008.
On Monday, September 8, 2008, as part of the work being done at the site, workers will begin releasing the pressure in tanks that contain harmless pressurized gasses. These gasses are oxygen, nitrogen, helium and carbon dioxide. None of these gasses are flammable and therefore there is no danger of an explosion or fire from these gasses.
While the gas in the tanks is not dangerous, it is necessary to empty the tanks and eliminate any possibility that the lids on the tanks could become dislodged. This work is a safety precaution that will ensure the site remains safe.
Releasing the pressure in these tanks creates a noise that is similar to a train whistle. Residents close to the site will hear the noise and others further away may hear nothing. None of these gasses can be seen in the air and none of the gasses create any smell.
The work will begin at approximately 11:00 a.m. this Monday and run until approximately 4:30 p.m. and then 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day following until the 800 to 1000 tanks are emptied. The work will take place each day until completed.
Both the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Environment are aware of this work and the Ontario Fire Marshal and Toronto Fire Services continue to remain onsite.
A flyer will be delivered door-to-door in the neighbourhood on Monday morning to let residents know that this work is being done.
Residents with any questions or concerns may speak to fire officials at the 64 Murray Road fire command centre.
| August 29, 2008 |
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City of Toronto takes over site cleanup following Murray Road explosion
The City of Toronto is announcing today that it will immediately take over the cleanup of the site of the August 10, 2008 explosion and fire. The City is acting now to ensure the cleanup is done safely and quickly.
The site includes the private property on which Sunrise Propane was operating. The cleanup of the surrounding neighbourhood was also previously taken over by the City and was completed last Friday.
On August 13, 2008, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) issued an Order to Sunrise Propane to commence work on a Residential Cleanup Plan. The Order was not complied with, and as a result, the City acted to conduct the required residential cleanup.
On August 21, 2008, the MOE issued a further Order to Sunrise Propane and the property owners to immediately hire a qualified consultant and develop plans for securing the site, controlling dust and monitoring air quality, and this Order has not been complied with.
Based on the lack of timely action on the part of Sunrise Propane and the property owners, and the confirmation from the MOE that it has received no assurances that the necessary work will be done in a timely way, the City, in consultation with the MOE, has agreed to use its cleanup powers under the Environmental Protection Act to ensure the site is secured and dealt with appropriately.
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) has now completed its on-site investigation into the cause of the fire, which means cleanup of the site can begin. As part of the site clean-up, propane and other tanks containing compressed gasses will be removed, as well as any asbestos that may be found on the site that may pose a risk to the community. To ensure the site is cleaned up as soon as possible, the City, working with the MOE and the OFM, will commence the necessary on-site work today. The OFM will retain control of the site until the cleanup is completed.
The City has hired licensed professional environmental cleanup and disposal crews, and work will begin today.
On-site air quality testing from the site will be posted on the City's website when completed.
August 26, 2008
Neighbourhood clean up update
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) issued a clean up order to Sunrise Propane to clean up debris and asbestos from the explosion that was on the site and in the surrounding neighbourhood. Since the City had no indication the operator was going to comply with the order and complete the clean up, the City hired professional environmental cleaning crews who have been working in your neighbourhood since Saturday, August 16
As of Friday, August 22 the exterior of approximately 580 homes were cleaned and visually assessed. In addition to these homes, the Ancaster Community Centre area, schools and the church yard were also cleaned and visually assessed.
By the end of Monday, August 25, indoor air quality tests were completed in more than 39 homes throughout the neighbourhood. All tests to-date have shown levels below and often well below acceptable Ontario government standards.
Residents who have concerns or believe they have any debris from the explosion on their property, should contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.
For insurance questions, contact your insurance carrier or the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 416-362-9528 or 1-800-387-2880 or at www.ibc.ca.
| August 21, 2008 |
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City to complete neighbourhood clean up by this weekend
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) issued a clean up order to Sunrise Propane to clean up debris and asbestos from the explosion that was on the site and in the surrounding neighbourhood. Since the City had no indication the operator was going to comply with the order and complete the clean up, the City hired professional environmental cleaning crews who have been working in your neighbourhood since last Saturday.
Cleaning crews have been working since Saturday afternoon and have been moving east from the site of the explosion on Murray Road towards Beffort Road. The crews are currently completing clean up in the areas east of Garratt Boulevard.
By the end of day, Wednesday, August 20, crews will have cleaned 303 property exteriors and will complete the remaining 240 properties by Friday. Crews will then return on Saturday to do one final sweep of the neighbourhood. During this final sweep, crews will be doing a final check for any evidence of debris and will also be cleaning up any equipment or materials from the clean up crews, including yellow caution tape.
Under the City's direction, qualified licensed environmental cleaning companies have been completing the clean up. Once the clean up crews leave the area, if you have concerns or believe you have any debris from the explosion on your property, contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.
By this weekend, indoor air quality tests will have been completed in more than 35 homes, throughout the neighbourhood. All tests to-date have shown levels below and often well below acceptable Ontario government standards. Tests are posted on the this website as they become available.
For insurance questions, contact your insurance carrier or the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 416-362-9528 or 1-800-387-2880 or at www.ibc.ca.
August 19, 2008
An explosion occurred at Sunrise Propane Industrial Gases, 54 Murray Road, early Sunday morning, August 10th, 2008. Asbestos containing debris from the explosion has been found in the surrounding community. The City of Toronto hired environmental consultants to clean up of the debris found on streets, public spaces, and residential properties and to monitor the air for asbestos in the community. The results are available to the public and are provided below. Results will be posted as the City receives them.
Due to past widespread use, urban indoor and outdoor air have detectable levels of asbestos. To date, all indoor and outdoor air quality tests meet the provincial air standards available for asbestos. However, exposure to asbestos should be minimized or eliminated whenever possible. That is why we are working hard to quickly clean up the affected area. Toronto Public Health is reviewing the air monitoring results and is working with expert consultants to ensure the safety of the public.
For more information on asbestos call 416-338-7600. Translation services are available.
Health Canada has a Fact Sheet on asbestos at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/asbestos-amiante-eng.php or
call 1-866-225-0709.
Site cleanup plan (PDF file format):
Air monitoring and debris test reports (PDF file format):
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Ministry of the Environment Orders
City of Toronto Legal Services information.
Letter given to parents of Ancaster daycare and day camp children.
| August 16, 2008 |
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The City of Toronto takes over clean up following Murray Road explosion
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) issued a clean up order to Sunrise Propane to clean up debris and asbestos from the explosion that is on the site and in the surrounding neighbourhood. As of yesterday, Sunrise had not met the requirements of the order for off-site work in the surrounding neighbourhood and the MOE has received no assurances that the work will be done in a timely way.
The City has clean up powers under the Environmental Protection Act. To make sure that the area is cleaned as soon as possible, the City will start its own clean up of the neighbourhood starting today.
What you need to know about the clean up
The clean up will start today on the west side of Murray Road and move east to Beffort Road. The total area to be cleaned up is between Plewes and the north side of Regent Road and from Murray Road to Beffort. This area has been chosen for the clean up, as inspections by both Toronto Fire and the two consultants have shown this is where debris from the explosion has been found. If residents outside of this area think they have debris from the explosion on their property, they should contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 with their address and their property will be checked. If debris is found outside of this first area, the City will expand the clean up as necessary.
Once the clean up on Murray Road is completed, the next streets to be closed for cleaning will be (in the following order):
- Plewes Road to Garratt Boulevard
- Spalding Road to Garratt Boulevard
- Katherine Road to Garratt Boulevard
- Regent Road to Garratt Boulevard
Once each of these streets and the exterior properties on them have been cleaned, the crews will move in blocks to the streets west of Garratt Boulevard to Ancaster Road.
The City will be delivering flyers to make sure affected residents have the information they need and Toronto Fire and City staff will be going door-to-door to give residents approximately 24 hours notice when the clean up crews will be in their area.
Streets will be blocked off during the cleaning, one at a time, starting with Murray Road. As the roads are blocked off, crews will start by cleaning the roads, sidewalks and work their way towards the outside of the homes (including front and back yards, roofs and eaves troughs). The crews will also do an inspection of any trees and shrubs on the property and will remove any visible debris.
These clean up crews are licensed professional environmental clean up and disposal crews. There will be approximately 100 - 120 workers on-site.
Clean up crews will be wearing protective gear. As per provincial law, clean up crews that work with asbestos on a regular basis must wear personal protective equipment. This additional precaution is necessary to protect workers, given that they are in close contact with asbestos on a long-term basis.
What do you need to do?
- Residents will be asked to move their cars out of the work zone so that all areas can be accessed.
- Please keep all pets indoors while the cleaning is taking place.
- Please close all windows in your home and turn off air conditioning units during the clean up on your lot in case workers need to clean air-conditioning units. Workers cannot do so if the fan is running on your air conditioning unit.
- You do not have to leave your home while the clean up is taking place, but once the street is blocked off, residents are asked to remain inside during the cleaning (the clean up of each section will take several hours before your street is re-opened).
Questions?
For health and questions related to the clean up operation, contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.
For insurance questions, contact your insurance carrier or the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 416-362-9528 or 1-800-387-2880 or at www.ibc.ca.
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