Firm to address elementary school concerns
Firm to address elementary school concerns
Written by Beth Wade Wednesday, 07 March 2007
The proposed environmental testing for Elementary #19, recently named Grandview Hills Elementary, will be completed with results ready to present at a public meeting March 26.
The site is set to be in a former research and development facility that has caused concern for parents in the district.
“We are gathering more information that will help ease parent’s concerns with the site,” Susan Litherland, vice president of Weston Solutions, said.
At a public meeting Feb.19, Weston Solutions, an environmental testing firm hired by Leander ISD, announced its plans to test the site.
The buildings, formerly owned by SASOL North America Inc., were designed for safe chemical use and no chemicals were manufactured on the site, according to research gathered by Weston solutions.
The agenda set forth by Weston includes a test of all surfaces, air and soil in and under the slab, along with a testing of all porous materials including insulation and sheetrock. Most sheetrock and insulation was removed during the demolition of the building except in the library stairwell and the electric room which contained no chemicals during the company’s use of the building.
“While it is true that we may never know exactly every chemical ever on the property, just like you may never know all the chemicals you have under your sink,” Litherland said, “What we do know from records and what they did, is the types of chemicals that were used.”
The site which was home to a lighting research firm, offices and a livestock DNA research firm was purchased by the district in September 2006. The next phase of testing will test for volatile, semi-volatile and metals in the air, soil and surfaces in and around the building.
The district will allow parents to choose to send their children to a different elementary school and is busy working on a contingency plan if the testing determines the school site unsafe.
The plans for the land also include the use of several satellite buildings for district offices. These buildings will also be tested but not as stringently as the school building. The project also includes ball fields and play areas, as well as several retention ponds.
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