Evacuation order lifted on UMN campus following petroleum leak
MINNEAPOLIS -- Emergency responders are looking for the source of a petroleum leak that prompted evacuations of several University of Minnesota arenas and buildings late Tuesday morning.
The Minneapolis Fire Department confirmed the leak was detected in the sewer around Fifth and Oak streets southeast. Fire officials say Met Council contractors working in the sewer tunnels reported the leak after their gas monitors spiked. The contractors also smelled and saw petroleum in the sewer tunnel.
The MFD battalion chief told WCCO the highest gas readings were at 14th and University avenues. Some readings reached the "lower explosive limit," the chief said, which is the lowest concentration at which gas will burn in air. To lower the levels, crews opened up several hydrants to flush out the sewers, spilling water out into the streets.
The evacuation order was lifted just before 4:30 p.m., though the Minnesota Department of Public Safety urges residents in the area to call 911 "if you smell gas when you return home."
The source of the petroleum leak is yet unclear, officials said in an afternoon news conference. It is not known if it the leak is liquid petroleum or gas. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says its Hazmat team responded to the scene, taking samples from the sewer waters. So far, no injuries have been reported.
MORE: UMN is basically vehicle-free right now for about a mile radius - from 14th Ave to Oak St, plus university exits blocked off from I-94 and 35W. Firefighters are checking every sewer opening for gas fumes. @WCCO @UMNews @CBSNews @MinneapolisPD @MinneapolisFire pic.twitter.com/8pW3GcK1pv
— Jonah Kaplan (@JonahPKaplan) August 2, 2022
According to the university, the gas odor prompted evacuations at Williams Arena, Huntington Bank Stadium, McNamara Alumni Center, Aquatics Center, Recreation Center, and Mariucci and Maturi Sports Pavilion. State officials said that other non-campus buildings were also evacuated.
Two campus transit routes on the east and west banks, the Connector and Campus Circulator, have been suspended until further notice, the university said. Roads in the area were also closed, and people were advised to stay clear of the area.
The areas that are currently being monitored include:
-- East Hennepin Avenue from Hoover to Stinson to 33rd Avenue Northeast
-- 18th Avenue to Elm Street
-- 4th Street and University Avenue from 14th Avenue to Oak Street
Meanwhile, officials say that those with homes in the area should to run water in every sink and floor drain to help flush out the petroleum.
The petroleum leak comes a month after an underground explosion rumbled University Avenue near the campus, blowing manhole covers off a stretch of the road and prompting evacuations. A state investigation into that incident is ongoing.
The source for this previous gas leak also remains unclear, raising questions about future gas leaks in the area as students will soon return to campus for the fall semester.
This is a developing story, so check back for more.