Post by JB on Apr 8, 2008 5:01:15 GMT -6
Residents react to findings
April 8, 2008
By Tim Waldorf twaldorf@scn1.com
Opponents of Indian Prairie School District 204 book-ended Monday's release of the environmental study results for the 87-acre Eola Road property selected as the site of Metea Valley High School.
Prior to the meeting, a resident standing outside the Howard Crouse Education Center waved a poster that suggested the school supply list for Metea Valley High School include what he was wearing - a HazMat suit.
And once the District 204 board had adjourned, another resident began to shout questions. What chemicals were tested for, and were dioxins, which he called some of the most deadly chemicals known to man, among them, he asked. And where there no spills on the property from 1970 to 1993?
Others let their feelings be known in the three minutes they were allowed during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Resident George Vickers, who said he has a doctorate in analytical chemistry, said he wants to see more details of the testing that was done, such as lists of the exact chemicals that were tested for, locations where the tests were conducted, and methods in which the samples were collected. He noted that transformers used highly toxic PCBs as their insulating fluids in the early 1970s, when the plant was built, and for many years there were not reporting requirements for spills. Vickers said he also is concerned about the presence of heavy metals, as all of these materials are very toxic and carcinogenic, and are not biodegradable.
"There shouldn't be any question that I have not supported the building of a third high school since the building of the freshman centers several years ago," Vickers said, "but I also have very significant concerns about this site."
But resident Jennifer Streder spoke in support of the district's efforts to date, and asked about 30 other residents who felt the same way to stand with her in solidarity as she expressed her sentiments.
"We feel it is important for you to hear from the silent majority that supports District 204's site for Metea," Streder said. "We feel that the information presented tonight is favorable and very thorough. There are people in this district that do trust you as a board, and know that your interest is with our children."
April 8, 2008
By Tim Waldorf twaldorf@scn1.com
Opponents of Indian Prairie School District 204 book-ended Monday's release of the environmental study results for the 87-acre Eola Road property selected as the site of Metea Valley High School.
Prior to the meeting, a resident standing outside the Howard Crouse Education Center waved a poster that suggested the school supply list for Metea Valley High School include what he was wearing - a HazMat suit.
And once the District 204 board had adjourned, another resident began to shout questions. What chemicals were tested for, and were dioxins, which he called some of the most deadly chemicals known to man, among them, he asked. And where there no spills on the property from 1970 to 1993?
Others let their feelings be known in the three minutes they were allowed during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Resident George Vickers, who said he has a doctorate in analytical chemistry, said he wants to see more details of the testing that was done, such as lists of the exact chemicals that were tested for, locations where the tests were conducted, and methods in which the samples were collected. He noted that transformers used highly toxic PCBs as their insulating fluids in the early 1970s, when the plant was built, and for many years there were not reporting requirements for spills. Vickers said he also is concerned about the presence of heavy metals, as all of these materials are very toxic and carcinogenic, and are not biodegradable.
"There shouldn't be any question that I have not supported the building of a third high school since the building of the freshman centers several years ago," Vickers said, "but I also have very significant concerns about this site."
But resident Jennifer Streder spoke in support of the district's efforts to date, and asked about 30 other residents who felt the same way to stand with her in solidarity as she expressed her sentiments.
"We feel it is important for you to hear from the silent majority that supports District 204's site for Metea," Streder said. "We feel that the information presented tonight is favorable and very thorough. There are people in this district that do trust you as a board, and know that your interest is with our children."
