Info on Soil Tests at Greenwich High School Expected by Week's End

Greenwich Public Schools officials hope to have the latest test results and its impact on the MISA project at Greenwich High School by the end of the week.

According to school spokeswoman Kim Eves, the impact of the discovery of PCBs and other contaminants found behind the school and some of the athletic fields, and actual test results should be included in a report from environmental consultants the district hopes to receive by the end of this week. Some of the work on the $28 million Music Instructional Space and Auditorium (MISA) project was halted in mid-July when workers unearthed soil that appeared darker than other dirt excavated behind the school's west parking lot, adjacent to the athletic fields. That dirt tested positive for the contaminants.

"I am waiting for the information. The environmental consultants are getting us raw data but we don't have a final summary of test results," said Eves. "We are trying to get ready to open the school" on time.

At this point it appears the school will reopen for the 2011 academic year as scheduled. Teacher orientation begins Aug. 29; orientation for ninth-grade students on Aug. 31, with classes for all students starting Sept. 1.

Eves also said it is hoped information on whether the school will be able to allow football practice and games at Cardinal Stadium will be available by the end of this week.

"As soon as we get the information, we will share it publicly," Eves said.

In the meantime, work is being done to remove approximately 3,100 tons of contaminated soil to a site approved by state and federal environmental regulators. On Aug. 4, released $1.3 milion to help pay for continued testing, removal of the soil and remediation of the site.

Eves also said it is anticipated that construction of the auditorium portion of the project, near the west lot, will proceed as scheduled in November.

Attached in the district's latest statement on the project.

The MISA building committee was scheduled to meet at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday for an update on the project.