Noxious fumes from NWC plant waft over UWI Mona campus

A noxious gas smell from an incident at the nearby National Water Commission (NWC) Mona Dam Treatment Plant has reached the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, prompting the university to closely monitor the situation.

In a notice to the Mona community on Tuesday, UWI said the incident at the treatment plant resulted in the smell of a noxious gas reaching the campus.

“The safety and well-being of our campus community remain our highest priority,” the university said.

UWI said its Chief Emergency Officer, Major Clive Davis, is overseeing the university’s response and monitoring the situation.

The university has not said whether anyone has been injured or identified the type or source of the gas.

However, reports reaching the STAR indicate that the fumes may have come from a leaking tank containing chlorine at the treatment plant. The STAR was unable to independently confirm that information with the NWC up to publication.

UWI said that should circumstances warrant an evacuation, emergency procedures would be activated and instructions provided to affected members of the campus community.

Students, faculty, staff and other members of the Mona community have been urged to remain calm, stay alert and follow official instructions.

“Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the university said.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.