PCBs at Hartford

PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are a class of manufactured chemicals that were once used widely as components of industrial and commercial products. PCBs were used in building materials such as paints, caulking, and adhesives to keep them flexible and more durable. PCBs are persistent contaminants that can cross-contaminate adjacent materials and pose a health risk as they break down and are released into the air. The manufacture of PCBs was banned in 1978. More specific information about the development, historical uses, and health effects of PCBs can be found by visiting the US EPA website at: Learn about Polychlorinated Biphenyls

In 2021 the Vermont legislature passed Act 74 which requires that all public schools in Vermont, that were built or renovated before 1980, test indoor air for the presence of PCBs by July 2025. The state legislature originally granted $4.5 million dollars to test for PCBs in schools. However, there are currently no funds allocated for further testing, to identify the sources of PCBs, or to make any fixes to lower exposure to PCBs. Schools are required to test and take appropriate action regardless of funding availability. PCBs Frequently Asked Questions

Within the Hartford School District, White River Elementary School, Hartford Memorial Middle School, and the Hartford High School/Hartford Area Career Technology Center (HHS/HACTC) facility were identified as at risk for PCB contamination. As per state standards, the presence of PCBs in schools is determined by air sampling and testing. Contamination, if found is measured by nanograms per cubic meter as expressed as either an Immediate Action Level (IAL) or School Action Level (SAL). Spaces that exceed the IAL need to be vacated. Spaces that exceed the SAL require quarterly monitoring and an abatement plan within a year. A full description of these terms and requirements can be found at: PCBs in Schools.

Air testing was performed at Hartford Memorial Middle School last year and there were no exceedances of either the IAL or SAL. The same was true when air testing was performed at White River Elementary School last month. However, air testing at HHS/HACTC revealed both IAL and SAL exceedances. Areas that exceeded the IAL include the Culinary Arts space, two classrooms, and adjacent custodial and office spaces. Those areas were immediately vacated, and the programs are in place and operating at alternative locations. Areas that exceeded the SAL include the cafeteria, gymnasium, auditorium, and a significant number of classrooms. Regular air testing is performed in those spaces to monitor air quality and work is underway to definitively identify the sources of contamination and proceed with abatement as required. Air sample test results for all schools can be found at: PCB in Schools

There is an important distinction to be made between state standards related to air quality and the removal of PCB contamination. Vermont Act 74 requires air testing and air quality measures but does not specifically address the removal of contaminated materials. Previous experience has proven that, while addressing air quality is critical to mitigating immediate health hazards, it does not address in any meaningful way the long-term risk associated with unabated contamination. PCBs are inherently unstable. Air contamination levels are subject to change due to environmental factors like heat and humidity as well as facility use and the inevitable breakdown of PCB laden building materials. Leaving contaminants in place also creates the requirement for continuous air monitoring and material condition assessments. Unaddressed material contamination represents significant financial and operation liability that will increase over time.

The Hartford School District has taken all reasonable measures both to improve and monitor air quality at HHS/HACTC and will continue to do so until it is no longer necessary. While these measures may satisfy the baseline requirements for compliance with Act 74, The Hartford School District Board of Directors is committed to the removal of PCB source contamination materials to ensure the long-term safety of our schools and not pass on to the Town of Hartford and taxpayers a potentially crippling financial liability.

One next step is comprehensive materials sampling and testing to determine the total extent of PCB contamination in the HHS/HACTC facility. Analysis of initial testing revealed that, while air sampling can be used to identify risk, it is not an accurate indicator of the existence or location of contaminated materials. Sampling of the remaining suspect spaces will proceed as soon as possible after competitive proposals are received and reviewed. 

Planning is also underway for the first phase of abatement. That first phase will include all areas where an IAL exceedance was identified as well as the cafeteria, auditorium, gymnasium and adjacent areas. Those areas will be used as “swing space” during a second phase that will address contamination in the academic “B-Wing” and other areas that may be identified by comprehensive material sampling. Planning includes not just abatement activities, but also the relocation and support of the programs that use those spaces. All academic, extracurricular, and support programs will continue throughout all phases of abatement and reconstruction.

While it is imperative that we continue to move forward with comprehensive testing and abatement planning, Hartford has remained ahead of the curve in terms of process and planning. That advantage allows for careful consideration and planning of these next steps. The District will continue to protect the health and safety of the school community and will proceed with the work to come in a thoughtful and measured manner.

As the district works through the issues surrounding PCB contamination, the highest priority will remain the health and safety of the students, staff, and community members that use our schools. The district will maintain the highest standards of academic, extracurricular, and support services throughout abatement, reconstruction, and interim operations. The work required will be managed in accordance with best business practices, state financial accountability standards, and extraordinary stewardship of funds. All planning and work will be performed with consideration of local, state, and federal regulatory issues. Clear communication and transparency of purpose will be maintained with regard to the planning, funding, and execution of the work required to eliminate PCB contamination in our schools.

The proposed project phases will allow all Hartford programs to continue as planned for the duration of abatement and reconstruction. There will be some carefully planned relocation of activities and scheduling adjustments. That work is already underway, and the faculty and staff have proven their commitment and expertise by pivoting quickly to support key academic and extracurricular activities. Broadway Ventures, a popular regional summer theatre program, is just one example with more to come. That program has already secured the Lebanon Opera House for this summer’s production. Hartford Parks & Recreation Department

Programs and events will proceed as planned for the remainder of the academic year with Graduation scheduled for June 20th. 

The Vermont legislature is currently considering a number of funding measures to support the PCB abatement and subsequent reconstruction requirements created by the passage of Act 74. Questions related to those initiatives, and your support for Hartford schools, should be directed to: 
 

State Legislator Finder Website

The Hartford School District is also, in partnership with the Vermont Superintendents Association, aggressively pursuing legal action against Monsanto Corporation for all costs associated with the presence of PCBs in our schools. 

The immediate costs associated with planning comprehensive testing and phased abatement are minimal and are covered by the school district’s operating budget. No significant financial commitments related to testing, abatement, or reconstruction will proceed without the review and approval of the Hartford School District Board of Directors.

For additional information please contact the Hartford School District Facilities Department.