U.Va., DEQ ink runoff pact

The University and the Department of Environmental Quality have agreed to steps to prevent future chemical runoff from Scott Stadium.

A runoff of Basamid, a fumigant used to kill residual turf on the football field after the top layer of grass was removed, killed 629 fish, mostly minnows, in a nearby stream in early May, said Jeff Sitler, U.Va’s environmental compliance officer.

Under the agreement, signed July 3, the University submitted a plan to prevent future contamination, including covering storm drains when using chemicals and not applying chemicals within 10 feet of the drains. The University also will reassess the storm drain arrangement, and possibly install holding tanks, with an eye toward being able to cut off the flow of water if there is a future spill.

The University will pay $365 in costs for DEQ staff time and $64.84 for the fish destroyed.