Greenwich Public Schools Issues Update on MISA Project, Soil Contamination

Greenwich Public Schools has released the following statement updating the soil cleanup efforts at Greenwich High School and the Music Instructional Space and Auditorium project.

GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING UPDATE

GHS Field #1/Cardinal Stadium is Open for Games!

September 7th Public Open House handouts and video available on the Greenwich Public Schools Web Site:
http://www.greenwichschools.org/page.cfm?p=10019

Open House Materials:
The materials distributed at the public open house and available on the GPS/GHS web sites include a video of the presentations and Q&A, a summary of the environmental evaluation and remediation measures to date, site plans detailing the testing conducted, information sheets on PCB’s, Frequently Asked Questions on PCBs at Greenwich High School developed by the CT Department of Public Health and more.

Site Status Recap (See DTC’s Summary of Environmental Testing on the web site for more information):

Cardinal Stadium/Field#1 (Turf)/Tennis Courts/All Grass Areas – Interim remediation measures are complete and the stadium is now open for games, including use of bleachers. Fields 6 & 7 (Turf) – The interim remediation plan has been approved by the U.S. EPA, the CT DEEP, and the CT DPH then remediation work will begin.

Fields 3 & 4 (Turf) – Remediation options are under review by the Town. Once finalized, submitted and approved, the measures selected will be implemented.

Fields 2 &5 (Grass) – Testing is ongoing and remediation plans are in development. It is expected that these fields will be open for use in time for the Spring season.

West (back) Parking Lot – The contaminated soil piles have been removed in accordance with standards. The asphalt has been tested for any residual PCB contamination and none was found. If the EPA and DEEP give their approval, the fencing line will be moved and the lot can be re-opened. Assuming EPA approval this week, the lot is expected to be open within 2 weeks.

Environmental Evaluation Status Recap:
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment report has been completed and is posted on line at the address above. The interim environmental assessment and remediation plans, focusing on surface soil conditions and field access are nearing completion. Once the site has been remediated sufficient for short-term use, a more extensive evaluation program will begin. This evaluation will result in the development and implementation of permanent measures to remediate the site.

Public Health:
At the public open house, Sharee Rusnak from the CT Department of Public Health explained that in order to be exposed to the health risks associated with PCB’s, one must come in contact through touch, inhalation and/or ingestion of the chemical. In addition, risks vary depending on how often one is exposed, general health of the individual, and age, etc. According to the FAQ provided by the CT DPH regarding potential exposure at GHS, the “soil sampling has indicated that the most highly PCB-contaminated soil is present below the surface. Playing or working on the fields does not result in contact with deep soil. Therefore, past use of the fields is not a cause for concern.”

Ongoing Communications:
Public Updates will continue on a monthly basis at a minimum, and more frequently as needed. The Public Updates are posted on the GPS Web Site, and are sent via email and/or Parentlink to GPS families, GHS neighbors, community officials, and the local media.