Purdue News

September 8, 2000 Purdue, contractor to address metal dust damage WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University officials and the contractor repainting the Purdue water tower are working with students whose vehicles have been damaged by debris. Lewie Wallace, senior contract manager for the Purdue Construction Department, said small metal filings stripped from the water tower in Tower Acres last week managed to get beyond a cover draping the tower and fell onto cars parked in the area. Wallace and Gary Collins of United Coating and Linings met with representatives of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and Gamma Phi Beta and Delta Delta Delta sororities last night (Thursday, 9/7) to determine the number of vehicles damaged and discuss ways to address the situation. The contractor, United Coating and Linings, Cincinnati, has contacted its insurance company and is making arrangements for an adjuster to come to West Lafayette. Wallace said he and the student groups have reports of about 100 vehicles involved. The metal filings can damage a vehicle finish and windows by scratching the surface. Wallace recommended that people with the problem should not attempt to remove the metal filings themselves. The water tower was covered during the repainting process to keep the debris contained. However, wind apparently allowed some of the material to escape, he said. Wallace said his office will continue working with the students groups on the situation. Representatives of student groups will be instructed to contact the insurance adjuster once one is assigned. Chapter presidents can contact the Purdue Construction Department, (765) 494-7159, with questions or concerns. Source: Lewie Wallace, (765) 494-9877; ljwallace@purdue.edu Writer: J. Michael Willis, (765) 494-0371, mwillis@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page