Report: Heating unit caused Milligan gas/carbon monoxide leak that impacted several hundred

A natural gas unit that heated air inside the swimming pool area of Milligan University's fieldhouse probably caused the leak that released carbon monoxide and sent several hundred students and staff to area hospitals in February, a report released this week reveals. The university, meanwhile, has already implemented improvements aimed at prevention and detection based on recommendations from a third-party probe of the incident. As for the heating units, they "were completely and immediately replaced" once it became clear they were the likely cause, a Milligan spokesperson said. Elizabethton Fire Marshal Jeremiah Tolley released the document Tuesday following a request — the same day Milligan officials received it, the university said. Tolley responded Feb. 4 after the gas company had confirmed CO was present in the air and Milligan had vented the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse, his report states. After ruling out a venting pipe issue, Tolley suspected a possible internal mechanical failure in a heating unit. As a highly probable result of the internal failures, "the heating unit forced carbon monoxide enriched air through the ductwork and into the pool area resulting in carbon monoxide exposures." It does not say with absolute certainty that was the cause, but deems it highly probable. Milligan spokesperson Kennedy Peacock said separately from the fire marshal's work, Milligan partnered with a third party "to examine why the carbon monoxide detectors did not alarm and to review the function of our safety systems and our inspection protocols." Due to the building's purpose, CO detectors were not legally required. Tolley's findings "align with what we have seen in our third-party investigation," Peacock wrote in an emailed response to questions. Milligan has evaluated all the affected systems and conducted additional CO monitoring and inspections in recent months. It's expanded its CO detection coverage and is evaluating even further monitoring and early-warning capabilities across campus. The university has broadened its long-term response by looking at campus-wide modernization of its "fire and life-safety infrastructure," Peacock said. It's working with specialized contractors, engineers and state and local fire officials, "evaluating existing systems, incorporating modern safety technologies, and planning improvements across campus." Most of the people exposed had minimal or mild symptoms, though some required oxygen therapy and extended observation. The last person was released from the hospital Feb. 9, while the field house was cleared for use Feb. 6.