KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Across Knoxville and East Tennessee, crews were hard at work last week trying to clear snow and ice left by a deadly winter storm that impacted the entire state. At the University of Tennessee, crews spent eight days from Jan. 14 through Jan. 22 working to clean up campus before the spring semester started.
During that time, UT Facilities Services said they used around 260,000 lbs. of rock salt and around 90,000 lbs. of ice melt. Hundreds of staff members worked to clear the campus — getting rid of snow and ice in a 400-acre large area.
Facilities Services said they used dozens of hand shovels, two snow plows and salt spreaders as well as 15 skid-steer loaders.
"In addition to these efforts, our Utilities Services team maintained 24/7 coverage of plumbing, electric, cooling/heating equipment, and our campus steam supply which provides domestic hot water and building heat to much of campus," Facilities Services said in a release.
It said many staff members worked 12-hour shifts and spent multiple nights away from home to clear the campus. They cleared snow off roads, sidewalks and parking lot surfaces, according to Facilities Services.
"Without the help of the dedicated individuals who make up our Facilities Services team, this would not have been possible. Thank you for the countless hours you’ve put in during this snow event," Facilities Services said in the release.