A Technical Safety B.C. investigation into an ammonia leak at the Alberni Valley Multiplex in Port Alberni confirms what the city already knew, says Willa Thorpe, director of parks, recreation and heritage.
The investigation identified a weld crack in the chiller vessel from a manufacturing flaw as the source of the leak. The cracks grew while the chiller was in service until one of the cracks penetrated the vessel shell, releasing ammonia into the room.
The multiplex remained operational for approximately two days while leaking, before the source was found, which led Technical Safety to advise arena operators not to ignore minor cracks, as they can become a major hazard.
The leak triggered what Port Alberni chief executive officer Tim Pley called at the time a “low-level” alarm. The ammonia level was 25 parts per million, while a level of 200 parts per million triggers an evacuation.
Ice-making activities at the facility resumed in late November, three weeks after the leak was discovered. Ammonia leaks can be deadly; one in 2017 at a rink in Fernie killed three people.
