Dry Drain Brought Hazmat to Drew University

MADISON, NJ - A chemical smell from a dry drain in a science lab at Drew University is what brought in several sets of first responders to investigate on Thursday afternoon.

According Morris County Director Office of Emergency Management Jeffrey S. Paul said hazmat units were called to Drew University's Madison campus to investigate the report of a chemical or gasoline related odor.

The Madison Police Department and Madison Fire Department along with the Whippany Fire Departments Hazardous Materials Team were on site and the Whippany Fire Chief coordinated with the Morris County Hazardous Materials Team while they investigated the source of the odor, Paul said.

The smell was reported in the hall of the sciences building and first responders eventually the source was determined to be a dried out floor drain, Paul said.

Most floor drains have a water trap underneath them. If that drain dries out, which it can through lack of use, it can allow for sewer gasses to pass through and out.

"The situation was rectified," Paul said.

No illnesses were reported.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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