Last Wednesday, concentrated dye was placed in three storm drains on campus for the purpose of checking for leaks in UT Dallas campus utility tunnels.  An application error by the staff conducting the test released more colorant than necessary. The colorant became apparent in Cottonwood Creek in Richardson over the weekend.

The University regrets this mistake and apologizes for the concern it has caused our neighbors. The University will work with the City of Richardson and other relevant authorities to mitigate the aesthetic problems caused by the dye, and will work with the city on mitigation until the material has completely degraded and left the waterway. The City of Richardson has inspected Cottonwood Creek and has found no issues of concern, beyond those of aesthetics.

Water containing dye on the UT Dallas campus is being diverted to the Richardson sanitary sewer system, where it will undergo the normal sewage treatment process. Hay dikes are also being placed in appropriate locations to retain the dye and prevent it from migrating off campus.