Storms cause building leaks 

Rain storms sweeping through the Southland have wreaked havoc on several campus buildings, causing  minor flooding and leaks.

Although the effects of the leaks are relatively minor, Cal State Long Beach maintenance workers have been on full alert for any potential problems.

The Industrial Technology Building was the hardest hit, with ceiling leaks caused by steady rainfall on a deteriorating roof, said a CSULB maintenance official.

"Several rooms in the Engineering Technology building have water coming through the roof, but they're still able to function in there," said Robert Quirk, director of facilities management. "It's more of a nuisance than anything else, but anytime water penetrates a building, it's a problem."

"The classes are still going on, but there's a garbage bag collecting water," said Margaret Costello, engineering technology secretary.

Quirk said the ET building is scheduled to have its 20-year-old roof replaced this summer.

In the Social Sciences and Public Administration building, ground water surrounding the building's basement leaked into three rooms, causing small puddles to form. 

"There's saturated soil near the surface that has found its way to weak spots on water pipes," Quirk said. 

In other spots across campus, leaks have been reported in the East Library, Brotman Hall and the Psychology Building.

"These are relatively minor," Quirk said. 

Facilities maintenance workers will continue to monitor leaks as storms pass through the area, but will not begin non-emergency repairs until the weather clears.

"We will wait for things to dry up a bit and then determine what needs to be done," Quirk said.