Wednesday Classes Relocated as Cleanup Continues at the Environmental Studies Building

Classes scheduled Wednesday in Western’s Environmental Studies building have been relocated to other buildings on campus after a sprinkler line fitting in the rooftop mechanical space burst on Tuesday, causing a release of water that damaged spaces on the north and east sides of the building’s 3rd, 4th and 5th floors.

Faculty have been advised of the change in location for their classes. Also, faculty and staff will be allowed into portions of the building on Wednesday to assess damage, including to academic equipment.

Facilities Management custodians will continue cleanup of water throughout this evening. Further assessment about the extent of  damages and repairs will continue on Wednesday.

The building was evacuated on Tuesday, with all classes and activities in the building cancelled for the day. The cause of the sprinkler line fitting bursting likely was because it had frozen in the extremely cold weather.

There is no estimate of damages yet. The fact that the building is primarily concrete helps limit the water damage. However, the extent of damage to equipment has not yet been determined.

The building includes Western’s Huxley College of the Environment, the Geology Department and other classrooms and offices.