Assessments continue to determine the source of a gas smell that forced the temporary closure of Holy Redeemer Elementary in Spaniard’s Bay.

The odor was detected in the area of the gym, cafeteria and music room, and the school was closed as a precautionary measure.

In the meantime, students have been dispersed to surrounding schools for the remainder of the school year.

MHA Pam Parsons says the smell has not improved, but she says, it does not appear to have gone beyond where it was first detected. She says not only are there health and safety concerns, but an environmental concern at the site and she says a number of government departments are involved in getting to the bottom of the issue.

The departments of ServiceNL, Environment and Transportation and Infrastructure are all involved. A number of test pits have been dug on the property, but to date, the source of the fuel smell has not been identified.

A second industrial hygienist has been invited to visit the site to suggest a strategy.