A chemical spill seeping onto University of Minnesota property in the Southeast Como neighborhood has yet to be removed after being cornered off for nearly a week.
About 500 gallons of potassium hydroxide âÄî a toxic and corrosive chemical used in bleaching, biodiesel and soap âÄî being delivered to the Hawkins Inc. plant spilled during a transfer.
The back of University Stores North property, located at 2901 Talmage Ave. SE, was cornered off with safety tape as of Tuesday afternoon. No authorities were present.
An environmental contractor has been hired to conduct the cleanup, scheduled for Wednesday morning, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
The spill has raised concerns with a few neighborhood residents.
This is not the first chemical-related incident to happen in the area, said environmental coordinator for the Southeast Como Improvement Association Justin Eibenholzl in an email.
Sam Brungardt, MPCA spokesperson, said the spill did not pose any immediate health risks.