University takes safety at research facility seriously

TO THE EDITOR:

In response to the editorial “Waterworld: UNC style” (March 29), I assure you that the recent violations at the Bingham research facility are no more acceptable to the University than they are to the facility’s neighbors or The Daily Tar Heel editorial board and readers.

That’s why we are being proactive in our approach to solving the facility’s problems. We shut down the wastewater treatment system on the site more than a month ago, and it will remain shut down until we can be certain it is operating correctly.

We have hired expert consultants to advise us how to fix current problems and to plan for the future. We are updating the neighbors regularly on our activities.

Regarding those violations, it is important to note that we have been cited for an improper method of release of the treated wastewater, not for an improper level of treatment. Because the leaks were highly treated wastewater approved for spray irrigation, there has been no contamination of the soil, groundwater or creek.

We self-reported these incidents to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources and filed a detailed list of corrective tasks to be performed, also sent to the neighbors and to The Daily Tar Heel.

As for oversight, the Bingham facility is overseen by several regulatory agencies at the federal, state and local level. Orange County already is providing oversight as specified by law, including site planning and well approvals. The University takes this oversight very seriously and adheres to all regulatory requirements.

 

Bob Lowman

Associate Vice Chancellor for Research