Town of Enfield
Office of the Town Manager
Date: March 24, 2006
To: PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: Christopher W. Bromson, Acting Town Manager - (253-6350)
For Further Information Contact:
Christopher W. Bromson, Acting Town Manager - (253-6350)
Subject: FERMI HIGH SCHOOL
ENFIELD, CT - In preparation for planned improvements to the athletic fields at Enrico Fermi High School, preliminary soil and groundwater tests were conducted. Late Wednesday evening, March 22nd, the Town was informed by the environmental-geotechnical firm conducting the testing that preliminary samples indicated the presence of Dieldrin, whose level exceeded the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's cleanup criteria. This discovery requires DEP notification within 90 days and the Town contacted the DEP the following morning.
In consultation with state and local officials, the Town has been advised that there is no immediate health risk. However, the Town is coordinating an action plan to evaluate any potential public health issue and has directed that the athletic fields at Fermi High School be closed as a precautionary measure pending further testing. The action plan and field closure were based upon unanimous agreement of Acting Town Manager Christopher W. Bromson, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Gallacher, North Central Health District Director William Blitz, Mayor Patrick Tallarita, Deputy Mayor Kenneth Hilinski, and Minority Party Leader Scott Kaupin. Also consulted were the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the State Health Toxicologist Gary Ginsberg.
A professional corporation specializing in environmental issues has been contracted by the Town of Enfield to immediately begin further testing on soil and water samples in the area of the athletic fields. The High School building will also be professionally evaluated. A public informational meeting will take place this Thursday, March 30 at Enrico Fermi High School in the gymnasium at 7:00 p.m. Members of the Town Council and state and local environmental and health experts will be there to answer questions.
In the meantime, the Town's Department of Public Works is coordinating the information, testing results and responding to questions from residents. Call Tom McGee at the DPW: 860.272.5270.
ATSDR, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry facts sheets which discuss the banned pesticides will be placed on the Town Website (ATSDR 1-888-422-8737).
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