FALL RIVER — Superintendent Tracy Curley reports that Fall River Public Schools have received satisfactory results following air quality testing at the Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy.
On Oct. 2, the District received air sample results from Universal Environmental Consultants (UEC), following the removal of exterior windows with Asbestos Containing Materials caulking. The asbestos abatement project is being performed by Massachusetts-licensed asbestos abatement contractor Alpine Environmental.
Air samples were collected by a Massachusetts-licensed project monitor using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM). According to air quality test results performed by UEC, background air sample analysis indicated airborne fiber concentrations significantly lower than 0.10 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In early September, the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) inspected the Academy in response to a community complaint regarding dust, noise and asbestos concerns related to a window renovation project.
As a result of the inspection, DLS issued a citation to the District regarding noncompliance with Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requirements. The majority of the issues cited by DLS surround recordkeeping, window signage and training. However, DLS also found issues with poly sheeting in a third-floor hallway and loose caulking in the cafeteria.
The District continues to take this report and any concerns or complaints about building health and safety very seriously.
It is also noted that, while the aging building is known to have asbestos, like virtually all large buildings of a certain age, at no point did the DLS report indicate that any students or staff were exposed to asbestos or any other hazardous substance.
“The Fall River Public Schools is taking appropriate steps to ensure that students and staff are provided with healthy and safe learning and working environments,” Superintendent Curley said. “While not a requirement, we requested the air quality testing so that we could provide members of the school community with some tangible evidence that the measures we are taking are having the expected impact. Last week’s air quality testing at the Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy shows that the airborne fiber concentrations are lower than what’s required by the EPA. That is exactly the news we wanted to report.”
As part of the DLS process, the District can be assessed a financial penalty, but state regulations allow the School District and DLS to work together to apply 100% of potentially assessed penalties directly to repair and remediation work instead of to the state in the form of a fine.
Given this opportunity, Fall River Public Schools will dedicate just over $81,000 to this effort, including new signage, training for staff and workers on safety in buildings known to contain asbestos, environmental consulting, and, notably, asbestos hazard abatement, to directly block, encapsulate or remove some existing asbestos from the building.
All corrective actions must be completed by Oct. 13, with written confirmation submitted to DLS. Fall River Public Schools have already begun working on corrective measures. The District will work with licensed environmental consultants to update management plans, improve signage, provide staff training and verify compliance at R.L.M. Resiliency Preparatory and all schools in the District.
Additionally, Superintendent Curley has implemented a communications plan. Moving forward, all families, staff and union representatives will receive an annual written notification of districtwide asbestos management plans. Copies of those plans will also be available in both the school office and the District administrative office.
Click here to read the air samples and explanation letter from UEC.
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