TOPEKA (KSNT) – The City of Topeka said it has shut down a building at its sewer treatment plant on Friday after several employees reportedly got sick.
The City of Topeka announced in a press release on Jan. 23 that, out of an abundance of caution, it has closed down U Building at the Oakland Wastewater Treatment Plant. This decision came after a group of employees reported having similar respiratory problems to a city-sponsored health clinic.
All of these employees worked in U Building. City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett told 27 News that U Building is primarily office space for workers at the plant.
Numerous errors identified in Kansas SNAP program
The clinic reported the similarities across the cases to Topeka administrators. Health officials do not believe the illness, which hasn’t been identified in the city press release, is contagious.
“Once the City was made aware of a potential health issue, we immediately contacted with an environmental engineering firm, which will be conducting air quality testing in U Building and other locations throughout the plant. The City has also been in contact with the Shawnee County Health Department to advise them of this potential issue.”
City of Topeka press release excerpt
The City of Topeka has informed 30 employees who normally work at U Building about the issue and temporarily relocated them to another work location while testing is conducted. Plant operations will not be impacted by this issue, according to the city. There is also no expected impact to the city’s drinking water as this is treated in a separate location.
The Oakland Wastewater Treatment Plant recently experienced a separate issue in December last year where around 30,000 gallons of sludge was spilled in the nearby area. Local residents reported strong odors coming from the plant following the spill.
Topeka snow plow crews ready to clear roads during winter storm
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
