A structural engineer is recommending four mitigation steps to prevent any long-term impacts of salt water leakage at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.
The Town of Sidney engaged the services of Tony Horlor of Herold Engineering after the aquarium board asked that steps be taken to mitigate any issues related to leaks of salt water from their tanks.
“They came to us with their concerns in the first place, they were being responsible,” Chief Administrative Officer Randy Humble told council at their Sept. 8 regular meeting.
The engineer’s report states there has been little to no significant damage “from the episodic salt water exposure experienced by the concrete structure.” It also says prompt attention to spills and staff vigilance “has been beneficial.”
Even with no significant issues stemming from past salt water spills or leaks at the aquarium, Horlor recommended: that all spills be flushed with fresh water and mopped up quickly; floor mats be placed at point of local leakage or condensation to collect water; flush an existing crack and seal it, and; grind down existing spots of rust and re-coat the metal with a zinc-rich primer.
Horlor added a similar review of the site should occur in another two years and that what was seen in his observations of the aquarium and parking garage in the Pier Strata building, does not seem to warrant further, more detailed testing.
Humble said the recommendations have no financial impacts on the Town.
Council voted to receive the engineer’s report and ask that the SODC undertake the mitigation measures.