For the second time in a week, the Frederiksted Health Center on Tuesday has been forced to evacuate the building and cancel services for the remainder of the day due to reports of a foul odor in the area.
Deputy Fire Chief Corey Kent said he had personnel, including the Fire Service’s hazardous materials (Haz-Mat) coordinator on the scene attempting to pin down the source and nature of the odor.
"We got reports of the odor this morning," he said in a telephone interview. "We are in the process looking at two possible areas of concern … We’re looking at all the suspects."
Technicians from the Waste Management Authority were in Frederiksted to determine if the odor was coming from the Lagoon Street pumping station, and crews were also checking a possible industrial cause for the aroma that has reportedly sickened some and caused concern throughout the community.
In announcing the closure, the clinic said the decision was made "in consideration of the health and safety of the employees and clients."
Masserae Sprauve-Webster, chief executive officer of Frederiksted Health Care, apologized for the inconvenience and asked all clients with appointments for the remainder of Tuesday to call the office – at 1-340-772-0260 – Wednesday morning to reschedule.
Dr. Jamila Been, FHCs chief medical officer, and nurse practitioner Julia Winge remained on site to provide emergency services only, according to the announcement from FHC.
Several individuals on site were assessed and treated due to a reaction from the odor, the statement said. Last week’s incident caused at least one individual to seek services at the emergency room.
The incident is a repeat of one that occurred Friday, as a mysterious foul odor caused the clinic to close. At that time, FHC spokesman Jason Henry said the odor "smelled like propane."
"It engulfed the building and people were getting sick because of the odor. Some were actually throwing up," Henry said Friday afternoon.
According to Henry, inspectors searched both he building and surrounding area for the source of the smell, but the odor had dissipated and officials were unable to trace it.
Sen. Donald Cole announced during Tuesday morning’s committee hearing that the legislature contacted the Environmental Protection Agency about the odor. EPA put together a team to investigate, but said in a statement, "By the time we arrived it had dissipated. … We have been advised of odors as far as Estate Upper Love."
