EPA follow-up needed at elementary school 

Date December 07, 2007
Section(s) Commentary
The Brunswick News - Editorial

If there is any concern, even the slightest, tiniest bit, about what's in the soil at any school campus in this nation, then the federal government ought to do what it can and as fast as it can to put all suspicions or fears to rest. The response ought to be double quick when the school in question is an elementary school - a place where small children are more likely to mix with the soil.

That has not happened, though - at least not here, anyway. A request from citizens and from Michael Bull, superintendent of schools in Glynn County, has so far resulted in zilch from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It has not responded.

 The school in question is Altama Elementary at 5505 Altama Ave. As most know, the school borders the toxaphene Superfund site managed by the industry that caused it, Hercules, Inc. The fear is that some of the contaminated soil might have found its way to the grounds of the elementary school due to rain, wind or time.

The Environmental Protection Agency tested the area for contaminants, but the test was not comprehensive. It failed to answer all questions that would have been addressed in a more thorough test. Even the EPA Inspector General says the school site should be appropriately analyzed.

Certainly the federal agency is busy. There are more environmental hot spots in this nation than most care to count. But what does it take to arrange for a conclusive soil test? A phone call? A contract?

This is not about politics. It is not about who's in control or not in control of the U.S. Congress. This is about the health and safety of children, as well as the teachers and administrators who work at Altama Elementary. That ought to be more than enough to grab the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency and to prompt it to make sure, absolutely sure, there is nothing in the ground that has present or future consequences.

Maybe a call to the federal agency from U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, who represents this district, or a call from U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, who represent this state, is in order. If that is what it will take to test the dirt around Altama for contaminants, then so be it.

 This is a pressing issue - one that should have been handled by the Environmental Protection Agency long before now.