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Order To Vacate Issued Due To Potential Health Risk – Sour Natural Gas Well, Near Langton

August 22, 2017 – The Acting Medical Officer of Health for the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has issued an Order to vacate three households near Langton, Ontario, pursuant to the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

The Order was issued after it was determined that high fluctuating and unpredictable concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas (H2S) related to a leaking gas well on a rural property located on the 10th Concession Road, Langton, are or may be hazardous to human health to those within 400 meters of the gas well.

The Order has been issued to decrease or eliminate the potential health hazard from exposure to the gas. It will remain in place until such time as sample results indicate safe levels in the affected area.The Health Unit has been advised that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is working to remedy the leak and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) continues to monitor the air at the property.

The Health Unit will continue to work with the residents effected by the Order and to liaise with the MNRF and MOECC in an effort to assist with the situation.

As a precaution, Norfolk County has cancelled Decoration Day at the Sipprell / Riverside Cemetery located near the property at 1580 10th Concession, Langton and the Cemetery will be closed until further notice.

Questions can be directed to the Susan Taylor at the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.  Please see the attached fact sheet for more information about hydrogen sulfide and possible health effects.

Media Contacts:
Susan Taylor
Director Public Health
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
12 Gilbertson Dr. Simcoe, ON.
519-426-6170 Ext. 3218
[email protected]

What is Hydrogen Sulfide?