Update
The Prince William Ice Center has been given the all-clear to reopen this afternoon, said General Manager Bill Hutzler.
DALE CITY, Va. –– A Skelton crew has been working to clean up the mess at the Prince William Ice Center after the building was evacuated Tuesday due to high levels of ammonia detected in the building.
General Manager Bill Hutzler said the process to remove all traces of ammonia from the ice rinks has been a long but successful one.
“We have to ventilate the while building and we’ve been dong that since Tuesday night, almost continuously, and we are down to very low levels of ammonia that are well below safety limits set by OSHA and other government organizations,” said Hutlzer.
Employees, visitors, and children who were inside the ice center were evacuated on Tuesday afternoon when high levels of ammonia were detected inside the building. The compound is used in the ice-making process and, just like in a kitchen refrigerator, removes heat from items that need to be cooled, said Hutzler.
The ice center uses a system that usually keeps the ammonia contained to the back of the building. A network of pipes under the ice pump a brine solution to help form the ice used for skating and hockey league play, and ammonia is the agent used to cool the brine, said Hutzler.
The Prince William Ice Center has been closed to the public since it was evacuated. Hutzler said he hopes to reopen his ice complex this weekend.
“We had excellent support from all of the county departments, from the HAZMAT teams, the police department, local government, and state government from top to bottom,” he said.
Crews working inside the building have been focused on removing the ice that is contaminated with high levels of ammonia, collecting it, and then preparing it for removal where it will be “neutralized” and treated off site.
Aware that ammonia is highly absorbent to water and deadly, fire and rescue crews in 2012 spent a day training at the ice complex for such an emergency. The drill conducted then provided a chance for emergency crews to hone their skills that are needed when responding to a HAZMAT situation like the one that happened Tuesday.
Recent Stories
Rappahannock Education Farm (REF) Manager Rich Larochelle said he and a squad of volunteers prepped a 360-square-foot plot of Fredericksburg farmland to plant hundreds of seeds of produce last week.
Stafford County Sheriff is asking for public assistance in investigating an April 12 shooting.
On April 13 at 8:12 p.m., officers responded to the Walmart located at 14000 Worth Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate an unattended child.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office needs your help identifying this individual involved in a recent larceny in Stafford Market Place.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!
Why Choose Us?
Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
