U of A chemicals destroyed by EPS in controlled detonations at Hawrelak Park
Edmontonians living near Hawrelak Park might have heard a few explosions Saturday morning as the University of Alberta and emergency services conducted a "controlled and safe chemical disposal."
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) posted on social media around midnight, saying it would be closing the park to assist the university with a "planned and controlled" chemical transport and disposal. Firefighters were on scene to support.
"Residents living near the park will likely hear a loud bang sometime between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., as EPS members safely dispose of the chemicals," police said in a statement.
In a statement to CTV News, university spokesperson Jennifer Crosby said that expired peroxide forming solvents, diisopropyl ether and 1-4 dioxane, used in biochemical research were destroyed.
EPS bomb technicians detonated the substances in the large parking lot of Hawrelak Park, away from any nearby residential areas, police spokesperson Cheryl Voordenhout said in a statement.
"Safe hazardous materials management is part of being a world-class university," Crosby said. "Chemical disposals are a routine activity, and from time to time require the support and specialized expertise of safety services like those offered by EPS and Edmonton Fire.
"Chemical disposals are always controlled, and are carried out according to and often exceeding industry standards."
Crosby added that the controlled detonations went "swiftly and without incident."
"In order to ensure as few interruptions as possible to the day-to-day activities of the university and surrounding community, as well as an unhindered operation from curious onlookers, the disposal was held in the early hours on the weekend," Crosby said.
The park has since reopened.
According to Crosby, the chemical disposal was "thoroughly contained," and there is "no hazard" to the environment.
"The operational team from this morning left the park just as they found it," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.