April 4, 2002

Contact: Lynn Bretz, University Relations, (785) 864-8866.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: State health and environment agency: No oil in creek, no adverse effects

LAWRENCE --- Officials from the University of Kansas Facilities Operations, the KU Environment, Health and Safety Department, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment met today to review a complaint about disposal of oily sludge at the Vehicle Maintenance Garage on KU's west campus.

KDHE this afternoon informed KU that there was no evidence of oil in a creek 30 feet away from the incident, and that the incident had no apparent environmental impact. KU was told the affected area "was small and contained."

The complaint concerned oily sludge that had collected in a 6-by-10-by-14 inch strainer on an oil/water separator at the garage. As the trap was being cleaned Wednesday morning, about one-half cubic foot of oily dirt, sand and debris was splattered onto the ground. KU's EHS department had provided a waste drum in which the oily sludge was to be deposited during cleaning.

All debris, including soil stained by the sludge, has since been placed in the drum, and KU has delivered samples to a KDHE-certified laboratory for testing. The material is not believed to be hazardous.

"We understand that a small amount of debris was not placed in the container that had been provided for proper disposal," said Lynn Bretz, director of University Relations. "We have taken corrective action and will use this incident as an opportunity to review appropriate procedures with our staff. We will continue to cooperate fully with KDHE officials.

"We take pride in the environment. Its proper protection and adherence to environmental standards are important to everyone at the university."