Toxic dirt costs soar

This is the second time in a year the district is working with the state to clean up hazardous material in the soil at Burlingame High School. An effort to identify contaminated soil earlier at the high school turned up higher than normal levels of lead around the main school building and traces of arsenic in the grassy area in front of the school. The district, under the guidance of the state Department of Toxic Substances Control, is creating two separate cleanup plans. The district is expecting to spend between $250,000 and $500,000 by the time both plans are completed summer 2006, Arnold said.

In July 2003, a site investigation was conducted to determine what prior site uses could have on the soil. Lead-based paint residue and polychlorinated biphenyls — or PCBs — were found in the soil. The lead came from paint used prior to the 1980s and the PCBs likely came from the fluid formerly used in electrical transformers, according to the Draft Removal Action Workplan released yesterday by the Department of Toxic Substances Control.

At the same time, scientists found traces of arsenic in the grassy field at the front of the school. The area, commonly used for lunchtime gathering, was fenced off in April when the district announced the findings. There is no evidence the contamination could harm anyone who was in contact with it, according to the Department of Toxic Substances Control.

The current plan proposes removing the contaminated soil closest to the building during the district’s winter break. About 90 cubic yards — or seven truck loads — of soil will be removed by a licensed hazardous waste contractor. The soil will be trucked to a state licensed landfill in Kettleman City.

The district has already paid the state $56,000 to test the site and create a removal plan for the lead-contaminated soil.

"It’s obviously money we didn’t anticipate spending, money that won’t be recouped,” said Superintendent Sam Johnson.

The district hopes to have a plan drafted for the removal of the arsenic contaminated soil by the end of the year. The district will then apply for hardship reimbursement from the state in January of February of next year, Arnold said.

The district is still developing the plan for the removal of arsenic from the soil in the grassy field in front of the school. The arsenic, which likely came from railroad spikes, will be harder to remove because several old trees are affected. The district can either remove the old redwoods or find a way to remove most of the soil and contain the soil around the trees. The district hasn’t decided which way to go yet, Arnold said.

A copy of the plan can be requested from the San Mateo Union High School District or viewed at the Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road. The state is receiving public comment on the plan through Dec. 13. Comments can be e-mailed to Kamili Siglowide at Ksiglowi@dtsc.ca.gov.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.<