University 'munnel' system shut down for asbestos removal

You'll likely see more foot traffic around campus this summer at Memorial University in St. John's.

That's because a large section of the underground tunnelthat connectsbuildings commonly referred to as the "munnel" system has been shut down to removehazardousasbestos materials.

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According to university spokesperson David Sorensen, repairs are being done on a section of thetunnel that runs between the education building and the east portion of the science building.

The repairs, which are estimated to cost $626,000, will shut down underground access to six campus buildings:the science andchemistry-physics buildings, the Bruneau Centre, the Queen Elizabeth II Library, as well as the physical education and education buildings.

MUN said a small section of the tunnel system that runs beneath the education building will remain open, as will the system between the science building and Paton College residence buildings.

An asbestos abatement process is necessary, according to MUN. That means not only asbestos-bearing materials must be removed, but the entire work area must be enclosed to prevent the releaseof harmful airborne fibres.

The university said it was ordered by the fire department to install proper fire protection wallsbetween the tunnel and the adjacent buildings as well as in the ceiling of the tunnel.

The existing ceilingcontains asbestos and the entire ceiling will be removed, fire separation gaps filledand a new ceiling systeminstalled. The mechanical ventilation system supplying fresh air to the tunnel will also be replaced.

Workis scheduled to be finished before the beginning of the fall semester. MUN said work was initially supposed to start last year but was delayed until now.