MINNEAPOLIS — Emergency responders are searching for the source of an oil leak that prompted the evacuation of several buildings and buildings at the University of Minnesota late Tuesday morning.
The Minneapolis Fire Department has confirmed the leak was spotted in the sewer around Fifth and Oak streets southeast. Fire officials say Met Council contractors working on the sewer tunnels reported the leak after their gas monitors went off. Contractors also smelled and saw oil 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 the gas will burn in air. To lower the levels, crews opened several hydrants to clear the sewers, spilling water into the streets.
The evacuation order was lifted shortly before 4:30 p.m., although the Minnesota Department of Public Safety is urging area residents to call 911 “if you smell gas when you get home.”
The source of the oil leak remains unclear, officials said at an afternoon news conference. It is not known whether the leak is liquid oil or gas. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says its Hazmat team responded to the scene, taking samples of the sewer waters. So far, no injuries have been reported.
MORE: UMN is essentially vehicle-free at this point for about a mile radius: from 14th Ave to Oak St, plus the blocked university exits 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 smell of gas prompted evacuations at Williams Arena, Huntington Bank Stadium, McNamara Alumni Center, Aquatics Center, Recreation Center and Mariucci and Maturi Sports Pavilion. State officials said other buildings off campus were also evacuated.
Two campus transit routes on the east and west banks, the Connector and the Campus Circulator, have been suspended until further notice, the university said. Roads in the area were also closed and people were advised to stay away from the area.
The areas currently being monitored are:
— 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 those with homes in the area should run water down every toilet and floor drain to help remove the oil.
CBS News
The oil spill comes a month later an underground explosion erupted on University Avenue near campus, blowing off registration covers on a section of the road and causing evacuations. A state investigation into this incident is ongoing.
The source of that earlier gas leak is also unclear, raising questions about future gas leaks in the area as students soon return to campus for the fall semester.
This is a developing story, so check back for more.
WCCO staff
