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Hazardous materials teams contain ammonia leak at SUNY Potsdam; facility remains closed

Posted 8/27/13

POTSDAM – An ammonia leak at Maxcy Hall that drew Fort Drum, Jefferson and Franklin county hazardous material team has been contained, according SUNY Potsdam spokeswoman Alexandra Jacobs. “Thanks …

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Hazardous materials teams contain ammonia leak at SUNY Potsdam; facility remains closed

Posted

POTSDAM – An ammonia leak at Maxcy Hall that drew Fort Drum, Jefferson and Franklin county hazardous material team has been contained, according SUNY Potsdam spokeswoman Alexandra Jacobs.

“Thanks to the hard work of hazardous materials crews, the ammonia leak at Maxcy Hall has been located and isolated,” she said in a released statement. “The source of the leak has been identified as the cooling system for the Ice Arena, which is currently undergoing renovations. The leak has been contained to an exterior mechanical room.”

Jacobs said Maxcy Hall will remain closed for the remainder of the day.

“At this time, all indications suggest that the College will be able to reopen Maxcy Hall for normal operations beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 7 a.m.,” Jacobs said in the release. “SUNY Potsdam will send a follow up confirmation to campus when we have approval that all areas are safe for re-entry.”

The building was shutdown after an employee discovered the smell at around 6 this morning while performing a routine walk-through.

Jacobs said no one was at risk for injury.

"Everyone has been advised to stay clear of the building at this time."

Jacobs said Clean Harbors, Fort Drum Fire Department, Fort Drum Hazardous Materials Team, Franklin County Hazardous Materials Team, Jefferson County Emergency Services, Jefferson County Hazardous Materials Team, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, New York State Police, Op-Tech, Potsdam Fire Department, Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, St. Lawrence County Emergency Services, SUNY Potsdam Environmental Health & Safety, SUNY Potsdam University Police, SUNY Potsdam Physical Plant, Watertown Fire Department, West Potsdam Fire Department responded or assisted in the investigation.