A little over 24 hours after an ammonia leak was discovered at the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre (USRC), the centre had reopened.
Just two days after it officially opened, the USRC was forced to evacuate the building and temporarily closed when staff discoverd an ammonia leak Sept 16.
Curtis Slingerland, manager of regulatory services with the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, confirmed staff at the centre were alerted to an ammonia leak Monday morning.
“Staff at the [USRC] were alerted to a leak of ammonia related to the refridgerations responsible for ice maintenance [of] the skating rink.”
READ MORE: Upper Skeena Recreation Centre officially opens
An inspection of the system revealed a seal issue and all necessary precautions were taken, including an evacuation of the building.
No injuries were reported, and Slingerland said there was no risk to the public.
He said staff are currently working with Technical Safety BC to resolve the issue and that a technician, dispatched from Edmonton, will arrive at the centre today.
“It’s a really small leak, so it’s under control and we’re just taking every necessary precaution to avoid any larger issue.”
According to WorkSafeBC, at a low concentration, exposure to ammonia can cause irration to the eyes, nose and respiratory system.
At a high concentration, it can be fatal within a few breaths.
The USRC was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 14.
Doug Donaldson, MLA for Stikine, Phil Germuth, chair of the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine, Alice Maitland, former long-time mayor of Hazelton and Gail Lowry, the current mayor of the District of New Hazelton did the honours.
The state-of-the-art, 54,000 square-foot facility cost $20 million and was more than 10 years in the making.
