New crime lab sustains major internal water damage
Four months after the unveiling of a $75 million crime lab, the crown jewel of Santa Clara County's criminal justice system was a waterlogged mess Tuesday after a pump broke over the weekend, flooding the shiny glass building for more than 24 hours.
The flood had nothing to do with the major storm that pelted parts of the greater Bay Area last week with record rainfall.
Instead, ceramic seals on the rooftop pump cracked, sending water cascading down through all four floors of the lab. Because key areas were soaked, officials expect some delays in processing certain evidence, including DNA. No evidence was damaged, lab Director Benny Del Re said.
Tuesday, crews were working to cut out soggy drywall, ceiling tiles and carpet. The work is expected to continue for six to eight weeks.
The flood had nothing to do with the major storm that pelted parts of the greater Bay Area last week with record rainfall.
Instead, ceramic seals on the rooftop pump cracked, sending water cascading down through all four floors of the lab. Because key areas were soaked, officials expect some delays in processing certain evidence, including DNA. No evidence was damaged, lab Director Benny Del Re said.
Tuesday, crews were working to cut out soggy drywall, ceiling tiles and carpet. The work is expected to continue for six to eight weeks.
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