School's dirt gets passing grades

Glynn County school district officials were notified that "no conditions exist [at Goodyear] that would pose a significant health risk," according to a letter Monday from David Reuland of the state Environmental Protection Division's Hazardous Sites Response Program.

The schoolyard cleanup began July 5 after soil testing in June revealed the soil contained a chemical residue known as benzo(a)pyrene. The work was completed last week.

Workers removed about 3,500 tons of schoolyard soil contaminated with the potential cancer-causing pollutant. It was replaced with clean dirt and a cover of Bermuda grass, said Al Boudreau, district facilities director.

The chemical residue results from the incomplete burning of substances ranging from coal, oil and gasoline to meat and tobacco. Lifetime exposure to high concentrations of the substance can cause cancer and other health problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The chemical residue apparently was in fill dirt and topsoil trucked in when the original structure was torn down in 1997 and replaced with the current school building, according to the district's engineering consultant.

Goodyear Elementary has about 450 students plus 80 teachers and staff.

There is no evidence indicating that any students became ill because of the contaminated soil, environmental and public health officials have said.

Principal Karen Byrd said students can now play outside on campus during recess.