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
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.