Steam rising from the ground near the southeast corner of Lassen Hall was caused by a leaking underground steam-pipe boiler system that is now under reconstruction according to a university official.

The leak is part of a 50-year-old web of pipes, sewage and plumbing lines that crisscross the campus. This incident highlights the problems on campus that have caused the maintenance staff to be eager for money from Proposition 47 to start rolling in.

Officials said that the Heating Ventilating Air Control that powers the entire heating and cooling system for all buildings on campus is leaking somewhere, and as of last week, they were narrowing down the origin of the problem.

“It’s hit or miss trying to find the leak,” said Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Matthew Altier. “Sound-sensitive detection equipment directed our attention to this area and it is too early to determine anything else.”

The boiler system starts at the central plant near Parking Structure I, where heat for the entire campus is generated. An elaborate system of nestled pipes–an inner pipe through which steam passes and an additional insulator pipe to keep the temperature constant–branches outward from there. The problem is trapped steam between the two pipes has caused steam to spew from an adjacent manhole located on a walkway.

Proposition 47, a $13.5 billion bond measure passed by California voters earlier this month, allocates Sac State $18.6 million for infrastructure replacement and repairs. The steam distribution system is the main project among the list of nearly $41 million of campus maintenance projects that university management deferred because of budget constraints.

The retrofit of the boiler system will cost $4-5 million.

There are various pressure valves and actuators located across campus that release steam much like an automobile does through an exhaust pipe. Since there is no pressure valve located near Lassen Hall, Facilities Management knew there was a problem.

Altier said the steam is harmless and poses no threat to the campus community.

“We have to judge what is worst and take it from there,” said Altier. Additional repairs include sewer system upgrades, emergency lighting replacements, and electrical water steam meters.

Even with Prop 47 money in the pipeline, administrators acknowledge that another $23 million in needed repairs will not be done.

With a list ranging from repairs on irrigation pumps to the natural gas pipe system, the Facilities Management has a thorough task ahead.

“There are a lot more things to be done,” said Altier. “I’m just glad that Facilities Management can finally get to the things that we were unable to do before.”

Students had differing opinions about the steam the wafts over them as they walk to and from their cars.

“I usually save the sauna experience for the gym,” said freshman Lisa Kestington, but she gave maintenance workers credit for working on the problem. The steam also serves alternative purposes for other students.

“I like to hang out by the steam because it gets me warm before class,” said senior Edward Mota.