By Rosalind Russell – Espanola council has given its approval to hiring an engineering company to provide ice plant design and services for the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex.
Community and Recreation Department Manager Bailey Bouwmeester told council the current mechanical systems that produces ice in the arena are reaching the end of their operational life.
He says by 2027, major pressure vessels involved in the refrigeration process will require non-destructive examination (NDE) testing to continue operating but are unlikely to past inspection.
He also suggests in his report that the ammonia refrigeration plant, which is now causing challenges, should be changed over to a CO₂ refrigeration system, adding it would reduce emissions and provide recycled waste heat throughout the complex reducing the carbon footprint and costs of operating the ice plant.
He also says the ammonia refrigeration plant would be expensive to replace.
Council approved a contract to J.L. Richards of just over $65,800 to look at the two options and report back soon.
Photo by Rosalind Russell
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