Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) parents have learned work is progressing to reduce a limited range of unsafe levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and re-open the main gym and locker rooms, followed by the auxiliary gym and pool. Now, parents also want to know about the medical risks associated with the PCB exposure; as well as whether other potentially hazardous materials will be tested at WIS, and if testing will take place at other school buildings.

Following parents' input at a Sept. 21 informational meeting at WIS, Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez summarized the main concerns and requests, and said he will work to determine how the district can best respond.

"The community wants to hear from our medical advisor relative to risk factors associated with PCBs within the context of the guidelines set by the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency]," said Hernandez. "The other piece had to do with specific other testing of materials at this particular school; as well as testing in other schools."

Currently, the EPA only requires testing for indoor PCB levels at schools undergoing construction projects.

Between the 1950's and 1970's, PCB's were used to create durable caulking and glazing compounds such as those installed at WIS, built in 1972. On Sept. 21, parents voiced concerns about the potential for higher PCB levels at older schools constructed during that time period, such as Branford High School (BHS), originally built in 1957 and renovated and expanded in the 1980's and 1990's. They also asked if the district would be taking proactive measures to test buildings, regardless of whether construction projects are planned.

"Given what we've learned, it's a suggestion that will be given serious, serious consideration," said Hernandez.

Parents also want to know the medical risks involved with the PCB exposure measured at WIS.

"We know what the [PCB] levels are at this time, but do we know what levels were 10 years ago, five years ago?" asked a parent. "Obviously, we don't, because we haven't tested for it... the people here today want to know when the inconvenience [of the closed areas] is going to pass; but they also want to know, what are the risks to our children?"

PCB levels higher than recommended for exposure by those aged 6- 12 years were first detected in the main gym and pool area in August; during Langan's pre-construction hazardous building material survey of the entire school building. The survey was required by the EPA as a step in the WIS next-generation building renovation project. As previously reported, on August 25, the town and district made the decision to close the areas, as well as the adjacent locker rooms and auxiliary gym, out of an "abundance of caution" (see related stories).

Since then, the district has been providing updates and posting reports at the project website, www.walshschoolproject.org  The district also invited the public to the Sept. 21 informational meeting. About 30 parents came out to learn more from a panel which included Hernandez, WIS Principal Raeanne Reynolds, Langan Engineering and Environmental Consulting Services (New Haven) Vice President Jamie Barr and Langan Senior Hazmat Specialist Matthew Myers. Langan is overseeing testing, mitigation and restoration of use of the areas, following EPA best management practices.

The air-borne PCBs detected in August exceeded the EPA-recommended level of 300 ng/m3 (nanograms per cubic meter) for exposure for children ages 6 — 12, but were at safe levels for those ages 12 and above (for which the EPA threshold is 500 ng/m3). Air-borne PCBs in the main gym were detected at 407.2 ng/m3, said Barr. PCBs in the pool area were at 328.7 ng/m3. Testing was also conducted for PCB levels in dust in all areas, with those levels being determined to be safe. Due to the air handling systems for those areas being shared by the locker rooms and auxiliary gym, all four areas were closed.

A big step taken to reduce the concentration of PCBs in the air lies in properly maintaining air handling (HVAC) systems. Following the initial round of  air  sampling, Trane Building Services conducted an evaluation of HVAC systems serving the impacted areas at WIS. Trane determined the need for some replacement parts and conducted component servicing for incorrect set points, adjustments to outdoor air return and other issues. A second air sampling conducted on Sept. 12 showed improved (lower) levels of PCBs.

On Sept. 20, the Board of Selectmen approved a request from Hernandez to waive the bid for the replacement of three motorized dampers and four exhaust fans serving the impacted areas of WIS. The $27,126,00 contract was awarded to George Ellis Co. Some of the expenses involved in resolving the PCB issues will be covered by the WIS next-generation town project costs; others will be incurred by the Board of Education, said Hernandez.

On Sept. 21, Barr said a new air sampling had been conducted that day and sent out for results which were expected to come back the following week. He also reviewed other efforts undertaken, to date, to re-open the main gym and locker room area, which is the current focus.

"We have implemented a simple wipe down and clean program; [as well as] covering the exposed caulking with plywood, which is purely precautionary," said Barr. "We've completed the wipe down, we've completed the covering of the caulking with plywood and the last piece is to send the air sample, which was sent today. The results should be back sometime next week."

Once the air sample is returned and confirms "...everything is below 300 [ng/m3]... at that point, we would petition the state and EPA to reopen gym and locker rooms," said Barr.

Barr said the entire procedure will then be repeated for the auxiliary gym and pool area. He said it will likely take another month to two months to get through the whole process, then re-open those areas.  In response to a parent's question on whether the pool water had been tested for the presence of PCBs, Barr said not yet; but it's "part of the plan."

"If it's going to get into pool; it's going to get in with dust falling into the water. We didn't see any [PCBs] in dust above regulatory levels," Barr said, adding that testing the pool water is "...something that's going to be done before its re-opened. We do know that it gets drained at least partially every year; and some years it was drained completely, but I don't know the specifics."

Hernandez said the district will continue providing updates on the progress of the clean-up as well as any news and notices of additional informational meetings at the project website, www.walshschoolproject.org