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EHS Issues Caution on Drain Disposal
Last week, the sanitary sewer line that services certain UC facilities and the eastern part of Berkeley Lab became obstructed and overflowed through Strawberry Canyon and onto Centennial Drive. It was estimated that about 2,000 gallons of raw sewage eventually flowed into Strawberry Creek before it could be diverted to the sanitary sewer.
Thanks to a quick response by campus and Berkeley Lab plumbers, the release was diverted back into the sanitary sewer system and damage to aquatic life in Strawberry Creek was minimized. Once the line was cleared, it was revealed that the blockage was due at least in part to a large mass of laboratory protective equipment and waste, including booties, gloves, finger cots, hair nets, Kimwipes, and pipette tips, although it is not known from which facility this debris originated.
The Environment, Health and Safety Division urges employees to be aware that such materials are not to be disposed of to the sanitary sewer. Always dispose of lab debris properly. For questions on drain disposal, contact Ginny Lackner of Environmental Services at x7413 or at [email protected]. Back
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