Campus News

Chemistry-Physics Building Closed Monday Due to Flooding

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 28, 2014) — A pipe burst in the Chemistry-Physics Building this morning resulting in basement flooding and a loss of power to the building.  The Chemistry Physics Building has been closed for the rest of the day. 

Update. 3:15 p.m.

UK Physical Plant reports that power and water have been restored to the Chemistry-Physics Building. ServPro is currently on-site and has begun extracting the water and cleaning up. Large fans and dehumidfiers are being used to dry the basement area.  

Physical Plant officials expect all levels of the building except the basement to be open Tuesday morning and operating as normal.  The basement level will be accessible to a limited number of staff to get into their spaces and start assessing damage.  The entire clean-up effort is expected to continue through this week.

Update.  11:45 a.m.

Physical Plant continues to work on restoring power to Chemistry-Physics Building and cleaning up the over two feet of water in the basement following a pipe burst this morning.    

Officials from Facilities Management are on site working with researchers to allow them into their labs to inspect equipment.

The chill water system that was impacted by the burst pipe resulting in decreased air conditioning in other UK buildings is now functioning, and air conditioning is being restored to those affected buildings.

Nearly 800 students in more than a dozen classes were impacted by the building closure. Students with classes in the building are encouraged to contact their instructor for class information.  The Registrar’s Office has found alternative classroom space on campus. Please see the attached document below for class redirections.  The classes that do not have a redirected classroom listed have either already been canceled today, or instructors have found their own alternative classroom space.  Students should contact their instructors.

The cause of the burst pipe is being investigated.