The Comox Valley Sports Centre was closed for a period yesterday after an ammonia alarm was activated.

The Sports Centre’s refrigeration system was triggered about 7am on Wednesday.

Staff responded immediately and contacted the contractor responsible for maintaining the system. Evacuation was not required at that time because ammonia levels remained low, at approximately 32 parts per million.

The contractor arrived to investigate, releasing a valve to vent the refrigeration system. This caused ammonia levels to briefly rise to approximately 200 parts per million.

That’s when staff evacuated patrons to the designated outdoor area.

Ammonia levels dropped back to a safe level shortly afterward.

The Sports Centre was cleared for safe use and reopened again at 3pm.

Get further details at Comox Valley Regional District.