November 23, 2010 8:52 p.m.

Campus will be open as usual tomorrow Wednesday, November 24, 2010. The snowfall from the winter storm now in Utah does not appear severe enough to force cancellation of classes and other campus activities. Once again, normal campus operations will be in effect tomorrow morning Wednesday, November 24. If conditions dramatically worsen overnight and a closure becomes necessary, another alert will be issued.

Categories: Weather Tags: Campus Closure, Storm

In light of an expected heavy snowfall and traffic and safety concerns, university officials have issued a campus closure for Tuesday, November 23 beginning at 2 p.m. Shuttle service and student union operations will continue until 6 p.m. A decision on tomorrow’s operations will be made by 8 p.m. The university has issued an alert with this information to faculty, staff, and students via email, voicemail and the Internet.

This closure applies to all students, faculty, and staff with the exception of staff at hospitals, clinics and departments that provide critical research and service functions.

If members of the public have questions about specific events on campus, they are encouraged to contact the host organization regarding their plans. A media statement will be provided when normal operations resume.

For more information, check back on this website, visit www.utah.edu, or call Remi Barron at (801) 581-7295.

Categories: Weather Tags: Campus Closure, Storm

HEALTH STATEMENT

On June 11, 2010, a large release of crude oil from an underground pipeline escaped into Red Butte Creek. From there, flowed into to the retention pond at Liberty Park, to portions of Emigration Creek and the Jordan River. Extensive cleanup and recovery efforts are in progress.

Crude oil is a naturally occurring mixture of many different organic chemicals, including common solvents such as mineral spirits, toluene, xylene, and benzene. The exact amount of these chemicals in this particular batch of crude oil is unknown but their presence in the mixture is almost certain. The EPA has made the following recommendations and information available on their website at http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/odor.html:

• “Gas Station-Like” Odor
  • If you smell a ‘gas station’-like odor – the odor you might smell while filling up your car – it may be volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
  • Currently, we are measuring very low levels of VOCs. We will continue to monitor the air and if we begin to detect VOC levels that may be harmful we will provide updates to the public.
  • The primary toxic VOCs in most oils are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.
  • Exposure to low levels of VOCs may cause temporary irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin. It is possible that people with asthma may be more sensitive to the effect of inhaled VOCs. The VOC smell may give you a headache or upset stomach but is not expected to cause long-term health effects. If you are sensitive to VOCs, you should stay indoors to limit your exposure, close windows and doors, and set your air conditioner to a recirculation mode. The smell may become stronger if the wind or weather changes.
  • Historic data on oil spills indicate that VOCs are likely to evaporate, disperse and/or react quickly after the oil reaches the surface of the water.

• “Oily” or “Tar-Like” Smell
  • Currently, the information we have indicates there are chemicals known as semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) remaining in the weathered oil; they are primarily responsible for the “oily odors.”

Persons not directly involved with the cleanup should stay away from areas surrounding Red Butte Creek, Emigration Creek west of 700 East, and the Jordan River north of 1300 South. Avoid low-lying areas where vapors can accumulate. In addition, vapors from the crude oil can be flammable in certain situations; homeowners in the affected areas who notice strong oil or solvent-like fumes in their homes should evacuate immediately and contact the fire department. For more information from the Salt Lake Valley Health Department, call 801-468-2710.

Categories: Health