High-security building at UGA decontaminated

Athens — A high-security animal research building on the University of Georgia was required to be decontaminated after floor drains overflowed twice in the past two weeks.

Officials said in both instances the building’s containment system worked properly and no contaminated water left the Animal Health Research Center.

Building manager Mike Mispagel said no workers were contaminated and the one research project being conducted in the area was not jeopardized.

Investigators believe the source of the overflows was a malfunctioning autoclave, a pressurized container in which items can be sterilized in very hot conditions.