WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — Work on an ice rink being built in Warwick as part of a outdoor recreational center is currently paused. The mayor's office told 12 News early Thursday afternoon this is "an expected and anticipated" temporary pause due to four underground fuel tanks that need to be removed. These tanks were properly retired in the 1980s, the mayor's office said. Nearby soil "had to be excavated" and tested for contamination. BACKGROUND: Warwick to break ground on new rink, recreation center The tanks were taken out on Aug. 20 and 21 by Clean Harbors, according to a spokesperson for the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM). Results for that test will be "in very soon," the mayor's office said, and will determine if that soil can be re-used or not. Meanwhile, the DEM spokesperson said late Thursday afternoon that the results already came in. "Clean Harbors also provided the environmental consulting services for the project and completed the field screening and environmental testing," DEM's spokesperson said. "The closure assessment report was submitted on September 20, 2024." The spokesperson added that these soil samples results "are below DEM standards." Currently, the rink is still planned to open on time next fall, according to the mayor's office. NEXT: PPAC holding community food drive on Saturday Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW