MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
Citizens and residents of University Park were startled to see a change in a waterway that traverses through the city. The color of the water in Wells Run Creek was an alarming fluorescent green.
The Department's Hazardous Materials team was dispatched and arrived on the scene at about 4:30 pm, Wednesday, March 30, 2011, in the 6600 block of Adelphi Road and went to work identifying the product. Haz-Mat Technicians worked with the University Park Police Department and members of the community while attempting to identify the product and it’s source.
Haz-Mat Technicians determined the product to be a non-toxic dye. The dye is used to identify leaks in boilers and other large commercial grade water systems. A nearby high-rise building was soon identified as using the product to test the water exchange cooling system. The run off of the product entered a storm drain and eventually making it into Wells Run Creek.
The dye product does not pose any health related issues and it is believed that it will have no impact on the environment. As a general precaution it is recommended that citizens and pets avoid contact with the discolored water.
The Fire/EMS Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment will work together to monitor the waterway. It is believed the non-toxic dye would dissipate and dilute with time.
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| Color of Wells Run Creek upon arrival of Hazardous Material Team. |
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| Color of Wells Run Creek upon arrival of Hazardous Material Team. |
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