Statement About Soot from Boiler Issue for the Campus Community

On Sunday, September 3 at 4 a.m. a backup boiler from the Steam Plant at the University of Maine discharged some soot and ash that left a residue on cars and the parking lot immediately adjacent to the plant. Crews responded immediately and cleaned up the general area. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Town of Orono were both notified.

The discharge was well contained. The University is cleaning up the portion of the parking lot near the steam plant and the adjacent waterfront area. The Orono Fire Department has put their boat in the water and is assisting in this effort.

Any students whose vehicles were in the parking lot and impacted by this discharge are being informed how they can get their cars washed at UMaine’s expense.