Elementary soil faces toxin testing

Goodyear's latest examination to cost $75,000, will begin next week

By BJ CORBITT

The Brunswick News

Another round of testing will soon begin on the soil at Goodyear Elementary School.

The school grounds, which have tested positive for heightened levels of a suspected toxin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in the past underwent a recent round of tests after students left for summer break, which began May 27.

The tests were in response to a health consultation released by the federal government which concluded that the toxin, which occurs as a result of combustion, was found in high levels at the school.

The Glynn County Board of Education on Tuesday authorized the school system to spend another $75,000 on soil tests at the site. The system approved $73,000 on the initial round of tests and consultation, according to facilities director Al Boudreau.

Interim superintendent Delacy Sanford said results from the most recent tests raised questions that require further testing. He said the next round of tests will begin next week and should be completed by the end of the week.

Sanford said he believes that any problems found by the tests will be able to be dealt with before school resumes Aug. 10.

Board chair LaVerne Cooper said the testing will expand the area of the school's ground that is being checked.

"It's just a matter of there's some bad soil there and we've got to get it cleaned up for the sake of the kids," said Cooper. "There's nothing to say about that except we've got to do whatever it takes and spend whatever it takes to get it out of there for the sake of the kids."