Update on construction-related asbestos contamination incident at Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From: Lisa Wisser, Director, Environmental Health and Safety

To the campus community,

The Cowell and Stevenson Student Commons facility remains closed while we continue to evaluate the extent of a construction-related asbestos contamination incident that was confirmed Thursday evening. We have brought in certified asbestos professionals to conduct an assessment and to assist in determining whether some areas may be reopened soon. The facility will remain closed through the weekend.

We have also notified Santa Cruz County Public Health and Cal/OSHA.

Our top priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our campus community, and we are taking a cautious approach to evaluating this situation. The campus will share more information when it becomes available.

Additional information about asbestos is available from the Environmental Protection Agency at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos.

Please direct any questions that you may have to cowell-closure@ucsc.edu.