DNR headquarters reopens after burst pipe shutdown

The State Natural Resources building is reopening Wednesday, after being shut down on Tuesday due to damage caused by a burst pipe in the building's heating and cooling system.

The building, known as GEF 2, 101 S. Webster St. in Downtown Madison, closed Tuesday afternoon after all seven floors suffered some water damage along the west side, from the burst pipe that happened Monday night.

Stephanie Marquis, spokeswoman for the Department of Administration, said by email the Department of Natural Resources will return to normal operations, with the call center answered by staff and the license center issuing licenses on site.

The DOA oversees state facilities.

"While a final cause has not been determined, it appears the HVAC system did not function properly and pulled in cold air overnight (Monday into Tuesday), which caused the pipes to freeze and subsequently burst," Marquis said in the email.

Cleanup and repair crews worked on the damage Tuesday and most work has been completed.

"The building is dry, all pipes have pressure, affected work stations have been cleaned and the heating system is working," Marquis said.

She said the DOA doesn't anticipate any mold or leak issues, but the carpets in the building will be steam cleaned over the weekend as a precaution.

"DOA will have a cost estimate of the repairs in future weeks," Marquis said.

The water from the burst pipes contained a rust inhibitor that could cause skin irritation, but there was no word from the DNR if any staff member reported contact with the water.

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DNR headquarters reopens after burst pipe shutdown