History and investigation of the chemical odors and explosion in the University Avenue sanitary sewer.

Abstract

During the summer of 2022, a fire and explosion occurred in a sanitary sewer tunnel adjacent to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, propelling utility maintenance covers several meters into the air and jeopardizing the safety of the public and emergency responders. The investigation into the explosion highlighted the complex variables involved in the response to sanitary sewer events. This case study outlines current approaches and proposes recommendations for agencies to be better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to sewer-related incidents in the future. Our recommendations include the following: (1) proactive use of remote volatile organic compound (VOC) and lower explosive limit (LEL) monitoring in sanitary sewer tunnels, especially downstream of waste discharge sites; (2) incident responders should have access to instruments that measure oxygen, LEL, VOC concentration, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide; (3) better characterization of the relationship between sewer pressurization, elevation profiles, and vapor movement; (4) verification processes for oil/water separators used by industrial facilities discharging into the sanitary sewer system; (5) installation of ventilated or anchored pressure relief utility maintenance covers where allowed by code; and (6) building maintenance protocols that include regular drain flushing to keep drain traps filled. These measures are recommended to protect infrastructure and the health and safety of the public and the responders.