Cliff Heating Plant update - #2

October 28, 2009

Since the October 19 explosion, PWGSC has been working around the clock to bring the Cliff Heating and Cooling Plant back online as safely and quickly as possible, as well as to maximize the comfort of building occupants in the interim.

PWGSC has implemented a steam management program to increase the number of buildings that can receive steam from the department’s Gatineau heating plant, until the Cliff Plant is back online. All buildings on the Cliff Plant distribution system are capable of receiving steam, except for the East and West Memorial buildings, which are directly connected to the Cliff Plant. Portable boilers are being brought on-line to heat these buildings, as required.

The steam management program enables PWGSC to manage both the demand and supply of steam to affected buildings and to ensure all buildings receive steam for heating while the Cliff Plant is off-line. Technical experts are visiting buildings and working with operators to balance steam demand and supply. This enables PWGSC to reduce the amount of steam (the supply) being sent to individual buildings and increase the total number of buildings on the system.

Since the closure of the Cliff Plant, PWGSC representatives have been engaging all tenants on a daily basis, monitoring temperatures and determining if additional sources of heat/cooling are required. To date, temperature levels continue to meet the requirements of the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Additional boilers are being installed at the Gatineau plant to increase its capacity. Work is expected to be completed by this weekend. It is also expected that chilled water will be supplied to the entire Cliff Plant distribution loop by this weekend. Temperatures and hot water supply in all affected facilities continue to be closely monitored to ensure occupants’ safety and well-being.

The Cliff Plant heating side remains shutdown. PWGSC is currently investigating the incident and cooperating with the Fire Marshall, Technical Standards & Safety Authority, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Human Resources & Skills Development Canada (Labour) and departmental health & safety committee.

Note: A list of all buildings on the Cliff Heating and Cooling Plant distribution system is attached.

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For more information, contact:y

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Media Relations
819-956-2315