Hydrochloric Acid Leak At Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center

AURORA, IL -- The Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center in Aurora was evacuated Saturday after an acid leak was discovered. At about 6:17 p.m., according to the Beacon-News, the Aurora Fire Department responded to the scene which was considered a "hazardous material incident."

An employee of the aquatic center noticed the leak and called 911 immediately, according to the Beacon. They reported that employees evacuated swimmers from the water before firefighters arrived.

The substance was found to be hydrochloric acid, a chemical used to raise the pH of swimming pools. "Hydrochloric acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, according to the EPA.

The Beacon reported that the aquatic center opened Memorial Day weekend, but the 2017 season officially began on Saturday. The center is run by the Fox Valley Park District, and co-owned with the city of Aurora.

Officials estimated that between five and 10 gallons of acid had leaked from a 30-gallon tank. Another tank overflowed into the acid tank, causing the spill.

The hazardous materials team neutralized the acid with sodium bicarbonate and cleaned up the spill. The Beacon reported that they found no indication of the park being closed in the days following the leak.

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