Laura Streitfeld, Preserve Rural Orange board chair, says the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources needs to take a closer look at UNC’s Research Resource Facility.

Known to neighbors as the Farm, the Research Resource Facility in Bingham Township houses animals used for medical research. UNC is planning to expand the current facilities to nearly quadruple the number of animals kept there.

Members of PRO have raised concern over a wastewater spill at the Farm that officials say spread into Collins Creek, a tributary of Jordan Lake. Based on documents submitted to the state, Streitfeld maintains that leakage was noted by UNC employees last October, but not reported to the state until December. There are no official numbers on the size of the spill, but Streitfeld estimates the lagoon may have leaked 2,160 gallons a day over a two-month period.

PRO has contacted UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp, requesting that the animal research facility cease wastewater operations until the Department of Environment and Natural Resources can complete an investigation of the December incident.

In addition, Streitfeld says she wants to see the facility apply for a permit to govern wastewater treatment.

In response, UNC Associate Vice-Chancellor Dwayne Pinkney has promised to improve communication with nearby residents, as well as county officials.