Crews working to deal with tunnel flood

At approximately 0500 on Wednesday July 9th a water main ruptured in the excavation in the 11th Avenue laneway between the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) Wellness Center and the Physical Plant buildings. The water ran unchecked for some time resulting in the flooding of the open excavation associated with the Gas Tank Farm construction project and, in turn, the flooding of portions of the VGH tunnel system. This resulted in the closure of portions of the tunnel system until 1215 on that day to allow for cleanup.

Since that time the construction contractor, a specialized remediation company, Operational Health & Safety, Infection Control, Facilities Maintenance and Operation, Patient Transportation and the Housekeeping teams have been working to mitigate the impact on the patients, families, our staff and outside workers.

The tunnels used for patient, staff and material transport are clean and pose no risk to anyone. Areas of the tunnels used for storage or that have been vacated are being cleaned under the direction of the above noted teams based on a site specific remediation plan. These areas are being sealed off from the rest of the tunnel system so the work can proceed uninterrupted. Upon the completion of the required remediation these spaces will be turned back over to their respective user groups.

If you are travelling through the tunnels you may observe personnel wearing overalls, respirators and other safety equipment. These personnel are transitioning between sealed areas and clean areas. This level of personal protection equipment is not required to safely pass through the open tunnel areas.

Crews are working as quickly and efficiently as possible to complete this work. If you must access areas branching off the main tunnel please contact Chuck Ramsay for safe access and removal of any items from the area will need to be evaluated.