New schools, contaminated soil?
On June 11, Saco approved a bond for two new schools proposed to be built on Route 1.
Superfund 1 – Tannery Pit is fenced in on Flag Pond Road, Saco. There are reports and data on the web. The site was enclosed due to harmful materials. No longer enclosed. Stuart Brook is leaking; connects Cascade and Mill Creek Brook underground of proposed school site.
Maine DEP, Maine Finance Authority and Federal DEP were involved. The Heath is under a Conversation plan; not two miles away.
Proposed new school site; 1.5 miles.
Maine DEP informed of 300 proposed homes in 2018 being built on Jenkins and Flag Pond roads. DEP said no homes are to be built, unless approved by the DEP first. This rule still applies today. Did the schools contact the DEP? No, not according to my DEP contacts.
Auto Mile contaminants – repairs and auto body fluids, lead, storage tanks, decades of surface spills and leaks, are on and under proposed site?
Veterinary hospital incinerating medical waste and animal corpses are a few possible contaminants. DEP data reports show barrels still on the site. Did the school leaders even ask about the property’s history?
On May 24, I spoke with Nick Hodgkins, Chemical Contaminated Program Manager. A call then generated to Saco Planning Dept. Until Maine DEP has issued a permit, the city, nor schools, can move forward with this land.
How much was spent on designing and engineering the proposed schools while ignoring reported contamination issues?
Should the schools have sought proper permits before placing a vote for bonding? Were you misled by the school administration ignoring messages about these issues? Was the bond vote fast tracked? Contamination knowledge swept under the proverbial rug?
Is a new school more important than a child’s health?
Barbara E. Colman
Saco
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