Greenwich Public Schools reports that environmental cleanup at GHS is in progress on the south side of campus. They anticipate summer remediation work to wrap up by Aug. 18 to allow fall sports and school activities to get under way. After Aug. 18 workers will be on site to make sure restored turf is watered, and sedimentation and erosion controls in place.
A construction “staging area” has been set up between Rte 1 and the GHS tennis courts and “vegetation” has been cleared in areas where soils will be removed.
The removal of contaminated soils has begun and air monitoring has been conducted throughout remediation and construction activities. Other safety measure include safety fencing, monitoring of water discharge (though none has reportedly been observed from the excavation areas). There are also crews assigned to monitor trucks as they move impacted soil across the site.
“Soil samples from the bottom of the excavations have been collected and sent for analysis to ensure that the cleanup criteria are achieved.” – statement from Greenwich Public Schools Aug 4, 2014
Clearing vegetation to create staging area. June 25, 2014. Credit: Leslie Yager
According to the statement, excavation area soil will be replaced and seeded.
In summer 2015 the district plans to replace soil and reseed, as well as install final landscaping.
Summer 2014 work summary:
Credit: Greenwich Public Schools
According to the statement, next summer the district expects to begin the next phase of remediation in the vicinity of west parking lot and fields #2, #3 and #4.
The RAP – or Remedial Acton Plan – is available on the Schools website, as are Frequetly Asked Questions and figures.
Recent view of work clearing vegetation along Hillside. Credit: Leslie Yager
The south parking lot remains closed and there are no student or staff programs scheduled at GHS this summer, though, “for minor administrative business, visitors may park in the spaces in front of the school or out on the street,” according to the statement from Greenwich Schools.
This summer the tennis courts, stadium and pool will close for “routine maintenance.”
Limited field use
The Town, MISA building committee, BOE, and Parks & Rec have coordinated to allow some use of playing fields:
- Fields #5, #6, and #7 are available for use during the week & weekends (with parking in northern lots)
- Fields #2, #3 and #4 available for use on weekends (parking in northern and western lots)
Note: Asbestos abatement is complete. People under the 18 MAY access the building.
Key GHS Dates:
- Aug. 18. Football and water polo begin
- Aug. 20. First day of school for teachers
- Aug. 23. All sports, except dance, begin
- Aug. 25. Orientation day for Grades 6 and 9
- Aug. 26.First day of school for ALL students
- Aug. 28. BOE meeting at 7pm at Hamilton Ave School