Classes resume at Plymouth's Armstrong High School following sewage backup caused partly by flushed vape pens

School officials said they have cleared the blockage and cleaned and sanitized the affected areas.

September 7, 2023 at 7:37PM
Armstrong High School officials said the cause of sewage backup was a combination of nonflushable items such as vape pens, wet wipes and paper towels. (Steven Senne, Associated Press file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Students at Armstrong High School in Plymouth resumed classes Thursday after an unexpected sewage backup caused partly by vape pens forced school officials to cancel classes Wednesday.

Wednesday would have been the first day of school for students in grades 10 through 12.

"I know this was a disappointing way to begin the school year," Principal Erick Norby said in a message posted on the school's website. "I'm thankful for our custodial and nutrition services teams, who partnered with a professional cleaning crew to remedy the situation."

The cause of the backup was a combination of nonflushable items such as wet wipes, vape pens and paper towels, school officials said.

Plumbing issues have been fixed and staff has sanitized the kitchen, dish room, bathrooms and other areas, officials said.

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about the writer

Faiza Mahamud

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Faiza Mahamud covers Minneapolis for the Star Tribune. She has previously covered education, immigrant communities, city government and neighborhoods. 

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