The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has identified piles of contaminated soil on the Treasure Mountain Junior High School demolition site, but state officials have said there are no risks of airborne exposure at this time. Documents obtained through a Government Records Access and Manag ement Act request indicated that dirt piles on the school district’s property had elevated levels of arsenic and lead that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s threshold for hazardous waste. However, Dave Noriega with the state Department of Environmental Quality said heightened levels are to be expected in a historic mining town like Park City and that the presence of those materials does not necessarily pose health concerns. “Perimeter air monitoring has consistently shown lead and dust levels well below (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) exposure limits, meaning airborne exposure has not been a risk,” Noriega said. “Because the contaminated soil is properly handled and contained under the site’s safety plans, immediate exposure risks to the public are mitigated.” Colton Elliott, a spokesperson for the Park City School District, said construction crews have been following the state’s guidance regarding the dirt piles. Specifically, Elliott said environmental consultants on site have engaged in regular testing and soil management practices in collaboration with the state’s Department of Environmental Quality. “While a portion of the stockpiled soils have tested hazardous above the contamination values, it has been stored and managed per the approved soils movement/management plan and best management practices,” Elliott said. “All current hazardous and contaminated stockpiled soil will be buried onsite within the required parameters and (Utah Department of Environmental Quality) oversight. In the interim, the soil is being stored in accordance with best practices as defined by the environmental consultant and the UDEQ.” Noriega said the environmental consultant on site has been routinely testing soil samples to determine “the proper soil removal procedures,” which is how the district and state agency discovered the hazardous levels. He said no incident or violation triggered the testing and that the testing is mandatory to comply with disposal regulations. The Department of Environmental Quality further determined the soil is safe to bury as long as there is a “six-inch clean soil cap.” Elliott said the school district plans on burying and capping the contaminated soil on site, with the state’s guidance, because it lessens the risk of exposure during transport. Noriega also clarified that the district has not been fined or issued any infractions because of the soil. “A fine or violation from the (Department of Environmental Quality) is only given when there is a significant violation, which has not occurred here,” Noriega said. “While it is not uncommon for an inspector to give guidance on best practices during a site visit, the district and contractors have strictly followed the site’s environmental covenant and soils movement plan.” The Department of Environmental Quality will oversee the cleanup process through monthly site visits, and the district’s on-site environmental consultant is tasked with providing weekly progress reports to the agency. Noriega said that the school district will be responsible for the long-term monitoring and maintenance of the capped site once construction is finished. The Park City school board in a statement to The Park Record said it appreciated the district’s “thoughtful approach” to the project, “particularly its strong commitment to environmental stewardship and safety.” “In a community shaped by a legacy of mining, where soil contamination remains a pervasive concern, this level of care and diligence is especially important,” the statement said. “We appreciate the close collaboration with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and other oversight partners to ensure all work meets the highest standards. Protecting our environment and community while advancing necessary infrastructure improvements remains a top priority.” The post Contaminated soil found on Treasure Mountain Junior High School demolition site appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less