Authorities issue update on UMass Dartmouth chemical spill

On Monday, December 9, shortly before 1 p.m., a chemical spill occurred in a laboratory in the UMass Dartmouth Science and Engineering building. The university took every precaution, immediately evacuating and closing the building while state emergency officials traveled to campus to assess the circumstances. No injuries or further issues have been reported.

HAZMAT Fire Services District 1 examined the situation and viewed a list of chemicals stored in the laboratory before entering the area at 4:30 p.m. to identify the chemicals involved. It was quickly determined that the spill posed no existing threat, and HAZMAT began standard containment and mitigation procedures. At 5:10 p.m., HAZMAT exited the building and advised that cleanup could begin. A chemical cleanup team is currently working in the affected area between rooms 315 and 320, which will remain closed until cleaning can be completed.

The Science and Engineering Building is open effective immediately. The university anticipates the affected area will be cleaned and ready for normal operations at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10.