RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Fumes from the tar used in scheduled construction at a Virginia Commonwealth Unversity (VCU) class building may further disrupt students who take courses there, according to a school official.
Construction efforts have been ongoing at the T. Edward Temple Building on VCU’s campus, the main class building for Robertson School students.
The project is slated to be completed on Friday, Feb. 23 — until then, construction fumes have proven an issue for both students and staff.
Peyton Rowe, director of the Robertson School, said in an 8:49 a.m. email to students that classes on Wednesday, Jan. 31 were canceled as the fumes within the building were being investigated. Staff were asked to work remotely and make alternative plans.
Later that evening, Rowe sent out another email informing students of the results of VCU’s efforts to address the issue.
“The fumes are disruptive and uncomfortable whether or not they are deemed toxic,” Rowe said in the email.
According to Rowe, while no tar was used Wednesday, the fumes still lingered. Filters were installed on the building’s intake vents to ideally reduce the fumes’ smell. The tar will be used again on Thursday, Feb. 1, at which time the vents’ effectiveness will be tested.
“We are trying to get a schedule for when the tar is being used,” Rowe said. “However, we are approaching this challenge as if the tar and fumes will be present regularly until February 23 (or even beyond) so we have a plan.”
Rowe said administration is attempting to secure classrooms outside of the Temple building for Robertson School classes, prioritizing those that will meet on Thursday. Room assignments will ideally be sent out to the relevant students tonight, according to Rowe.
“This situation is a mess, and we will continue to work to make it less messy,” Rowe said. “Our concern is for the safety and comfort of students, staff and faculty.”
Affected students are encouraged to keep in contact with their professors on class scheduling.
