Defective seal caused ammonia leak at Passau ice arena

An ammonia leak at the Passau ice arena was traced to a defective cylinder head seal on a compressor for the cooling system, the city announced. Officials suspect a material defect was the likely cause.

The leak prompted the precautionary evacuation of the adjacent "peb" water park and the fairground, where preparations for the autumn "dult" were underway. Around 70 people were asked to leave the water park. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.

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After the latest assessments, it is estimated that a storm will blow from the northwest between 6 and 8 Beaufort (50-75 km/h) between Bodrum and Fethiye starting tomorrow evening.

Emergency crews contained the released hazardous substance by binding it with water and then pumping the mixture into tanks. The area was reopened around 8:30 p.m. The cleanup process generated approximately 15,000 liters of liquid, the disposal of which is currently being determined.

Repair work on the cooling system is ongoing. One of the two compressors, unaffected by the defect, was restarted Wednesday evening to resume ice preparation. The city stated that the systems are regularly inspected and maintained according to legal requirements, with the last check in the spring. Mayor Andreas Rother (SPD) thanked the emergency services for their swift response, calling it fortunate that the leak was noticed early and no one was harmed.

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Fishermen and seafarers should be careful and take precautions against potential adverse effects.