Norfolk County, ON – August 28, 2017 – The Norfolk County Taskforce continues to
meet and respond to the situation surrounding the leak of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)
from natural gas wells in an area between Silver Hill and Langton.
At high concentrations, humans lose the ability to smell Hydrogen Sulphide, which is
lethal and flammable, so the lack of a “rotten egg smell” in an area does not mean the
gas is not present. Conversely, “the rotten egg smell” can be present when
concentrations are at a level that does not pose a threat to human health.
Citizens who believe a well is leaking H2S should contact the Spills Action Centre of the
Ontario Ministry of Environment by calling 1-800-268-6060 (toll-free) or 416-325-3000.
Norfolk County has established an information resource titled “Risks of Hydrogen
Sulphide”, with assistance from the Haldimand & Norfolk Health Unit. Residents can find
a link to this resource on the front page of norfolkcounty.ca and hnhu.org.
Residents are urged to stay away from the areas identified along North Walsingham
Concession 10 between Forestry Farm Road and East Quarterline Road until further
notice. The road has been closed and six households have been ordered to evacuate
by the Medical Officer of Health. The Office of the Fire Marshall and the Ministry of
Environment and Climate Change continue to monitor gas levels in the area.
The exclusion zone also prohibits anyone from entering the area on foot, on any type of
vehicle (farm tractors, 4WD trucks, all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, horses,
etc.) or vessel (boats, canoes or kayaks on Big Creek). O.P.P. remain vigilant and
continue to provide policing services to the affected area.
Updates on the situation will be posted on norfolkcounty.ca under “Media Releases” and
on the Norfolk County’s Emergency Information Site Facebook page.
Norfolk County wishes to thank the following agencies for their ongoing effort, support,
collaboration and service to the Norfolk community:
- Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall and Emergency Management
- Ministry of Natural Resource and Forestry
- Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Ministry Health and Long-Term Care
- Public Health Ontario
Affected residents will receive ongoing communication directly from Norfolk County
officials. Other residents are asked to visit norfolkcounty.ca/emergency for information,
or to leave a message at 519-427-5910.
A Special Meeting of Norfolk County Council on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 3:00 pm,
has been called to review the situation and provide strategic decision-making with
respect to future implications.
Norfolk County Taskforce - Update on H2S Gas Leak Situation - PDF