February 28th, 2005

A New Mexico State University activity center had to be closed earlier last week following a leak that led to the discovery of asbestos in the pipes. The complications occurred when the leak, in the men’s locker room, was being repaired. The Executive Director of Facilities Operations at the university stated that it was during the repair work that asbestos was discovered in the piping, and because it had to be removed there was a risk to those in the facility.

Professional asbestos removers were brought in to remove the asbestos, and environmental services will also be brought in to test the area once the asbestos abatement is completed. No discovery has been made with regards to the cause of the leak from the pipe that was being repaired.

The problem caused some disruption at the university, as all physical classes and activities booked in at the center had to be cancelled. However, regular classes throughout the university were allowed to continue as normal. The activity center is used during the evening as well as the day, and university officials have confirmed that this disruption has occurred at one of their busiest times.

Although the source of the leak is not yet known, a lock room attendant stated: "It's an old building. A lot of times they patch the building here and there, but something needs to be done."