Calgary businesswoman charged in hazardous materials investigation

A woman is facing a criminal negligence charge following a hazardous materials incident in Calgary last week that prompted controlled explosions.

Around noon on Tuesday, Aug. 26, police responded to reports of a suspicious package in the Manchester Industrial Area.

Police and the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) determined that the material — picric acid — was unstable and posed a safety risk. Transport Canada says picric acid is one of the most dangerous chemicals found in chemistry labs.

“There was pallets full in it’s dry state, that would of caused significant damage to the area if it had if went off,” says CPS Staff Sgt. Ray Kelly.

The area was evacuated, and authorities created a ‘safe disposal’ plan.

The next day, Aug. 27, officials conducted controlled detonations of the material at the site where it was found.

Further analysis determined the material could be safely transported to a designated site where more controlled explosions would take place.

Investigators believe a local moving company had been contracted to dispose of several substances that were mislabeled before transport. The materials then sat for about 10 days, during which time they became unstable.

Police now say that the president of the company, which hired the movers, was aware of the true contents of the package and didn’t disclose them to the moving company to ensure their proper disposal.

“The moving company did not know what was in the pallets until 10 days after trying to get in contact with the person who shipped them the items,” says Kelly.

“We do not believe there was intent to harm members of the public, but the decisions made in relation to this material ultimately put our community and our emergency services personnel at significant risk.”

Christine Jacqueline Teschl, 59, is now facing one count of criminal negligence.

She is scheduled to appear in court in October.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.