Wednesday, April 25, 2007

At approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday April 24, 2007, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) had a partial blockage of a 6-inch wastewater main that resulted in a discharge of approximately 900 gallons of untreated wastewater. UNCW personnel responded immediately to remove the blockage, restore flow and protect the environment. The blockage in the wastewater pipe was due to a root mass from a nearby tree at the Social and Behavioral Sciences Building on the main campus at 601 S. College Road.

Some of this release entered the campus storm drainage system and flowed into a storm water pond on campus that ultimately drains to an unnamed tributary of Bradley Creek. The pipe was cleared and normal flow resumed by 5:30 p.m. and the sidewalk and surrounding areas were disinfected following vacuum extraction of standing wastewater. The length of the pipeline will be visually inspected with a camera to ensure there are no other areas with potential blockage.

This notice was issued in compliance with North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215C

Media contacts:

Stan Harts, director of Environmental Health & Safety, 910.962.3108 or hartss@uncw.edu

Dana Fischetti, manager of news and media relations, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu