Monday, October 23, 2006

Updated at 10 p.m. Oct. 20, 2006

WILMINGTON, N.C. - A clogged eight-inch underground drain pipe overflowed at approximately 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 in Building 2 of UNCW's Seahawk Village.

Four 4-bedroom and four 3-bedroom apartments housing 28 students were affected; the university is providing alternate accommodations for the students at the Comfort Inn.

The backup was completely contained within the building, and there was no environmental impact.

Although no health problems are anticipated, affected students nevertheless are being advised to take some precautionary measures. These include showering or bathing if they came in contact with the water. Students are advised to launder affected clothes in warm water and detergent and disinfect other items such as shoes.

Carpet, sheetrock and some personal belongings were damaged; professional companies have been called in to perform necessary cleaning and repairs.

Various UNCW departments including Housing and Residence Life, Office of Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety and Student Health have coordinated the response to the event, and university officials have met with the affected students to address their concerns and discuss the university's response.