Several parents concerned about high cancer rates among students and past graduates want the school closed and relocated. Twenty-four students, five teachers, and three custodial workers have contracted cancer. A number of residents living near the school also report high cancer rates among family members. The school property is on land that has been home to several factories since 1887 and now neighbors a long-time manufacturing complex, much of which was dismantled in 1977 to construct the school. Soil testing at the time showed “relatively widespread contamination by a refined petroleum product” topped by “unsuitable” fill. Parents have been unable to confirm that a cleanup ever occurred.
The school district Health and Safety Hygienist claims “Today red flags would be flying all over the place; it’s a former industrial site.” The neighboring factory spent $900,000 to remove 2,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil. The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) reports that petroleum tanks buried beneath the school have polluted nearby soil and a pond. Soil and air tests reveal high levels of volatile organic compounds and other carcinogenic chemicals. Nevertheless, the State Department of Health claims children are not exposed to chemical levels of concern. Despite plans to relocate children if testing reveals a problem, the school district has decided to keep the school open with athletic fields off-limits to students and the public.
These schools are only a sampling of far too many built on or near contaminated property, placing students, staff, and the public at serious health risk.