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Knox Hall students heard a familiar sound Wednesday night when they were evacuated after a chemical spill that again displaced students.
A Knox Hall Resident Assistant reported the spill to UMaine Pubic Safety at 9:57 p.m. according to Joe Carr, UMaine director of public affairs.
Carr said the chemical muriatic acid, a common concrete cleaner, spilled out of a hole in a plastic container. He said about one cup was spilled on a rug. Carr said the chemical was being used, by students, for a chemical engineering project.
The building was evacuated and crews from both Orono and Old Town Fire Departments were called to the scene. The Orono Fire Department utilized its hazmat equipment to clean up the chemical.
Carr said it appeared that no one came in contact with the chemical. He commented that if someone were to come in contact with the chemical it would result in skin and respiratory irritation.
Hilltop Commons was open for displaced Knox residents, according to Carr. At press time he speculated that students would be allowed back in the building at approximately 1:30 a.m.
Carr said residents would be allowed back into the building following the hazmat clean up and a university safety check.
