Updated at 5:29 p.m.

By ANDY GARDNER

CANTON -- St. Lawrence University officials say that an on-campus coolant spill that happened last week poses no health risks to the campus or larger Canton community.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating.

SLU spokesman Ryan Deuel initially indicated the spill was believed to have been caused by a university employee who accidentally dumped propylene glycol, which is used as an antifreeze in the heating and cooling system, down a drain.

However, late this afternoon, Deuel said the cause has not been officially determined and remains under investigation.

According to the DEC’s online spill incident database, it happened in Johnson Hall on Friday around noon and wasn’t reported until Tuesday at 8:34 a.m.

Deuel said the school is cooperating with the DEC.

"From what I've been told, it was an accidental spillage," he said. "To our knowledge, there is no health or safety risk to the campus or village community."

Deuel said the spill happened because workers were flushing the heating and cooling system, which they do every so often. The coolant loses potency over time, Deuel said, and they have to replace it.

DEC spokesman Stephen Litwhiler said propylene glycol has a drinking water standard, meaning that 50 micrograms per liter or less is considered safe for human consumption. He said that it is used in some foods and is a primary component in brake fluid.

The chemical dissolves in water, unlike oil, and biodegrades, but he wasn't sure how long that takes.

The school’s official statement:

"St. Lawrence University has determined that, during routine maintenance on its buildings systems, a chemical substance was released into the university’s own retention pond. At this time, the university is working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess and remediate the situation."