Weather-related water damage reported to Biochemistry, other campus buildings
January 9, 2014
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Indiana State Chemist Robert Waltz surveys water damage in the pesticide residue and microbiology labs in the basement of the Biochemistry Building on the Purdue University campus Wednesday. (Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Tom Campbell) |
The recent cold weather has caused pipes in several University buildings to rupture, damaging a part of the Biochemistry Building and rendering a large classroom in Lilly Hall unusable.
In Biochemistry, a 4-inch water line ruptured Tuesday evening and impacted all four of the building's floors, says Carol Shelby, senior director of environmental health and public safety. Campus emergency responders quickly removed standing water, but the building's annex remains closed to regular activities while University officials assess the damage. The rest of the building is open for normal business.
The annex houses the Office of the Indiana State Chemist and biochemistry labs, Shelby says. The state chemist's office is functioning on a limited basis, and members of the public, including clients, can continue to reach staff at the OISC's main telephone number, 49-41492.
Faculty and employees who work in the annex should work with the department head or the state chemist's office to retrieve needed items, Shelby says. The University will release updated information as soon as it's available.
In Lilly, water damaged a ground-level classroom, G-126, which will remain closed until it receives repairs. University officials are working to reschedule classes held in the room, Shelby says.
In the past couple of days, the Purdue University Fire Department responded to nearly 20 calls about water leaks at campus buildings. In most instances, responders were able to prevent any significant damage to the buildings.
Employees with questions about their work facilities or who wish to report damage should contact their department heads, Shelby says. For information about how to spot water damage and for more information about the campus' cleanup efforts, click here.
Writer: Amanda Hamon, 49-61325, ahamon@purdue.edu
