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FIXING CORRODED PIPES, ASBESTOS WILL COST $1.6 MILLION
Pleasant Hill School, suffering major pipe problems, was
built in the late 1970s and was placed in service in 1980
Sewage pipes embedded in concrete are heavily corroded and narrowed
School officials and consultants answer PHE parents questions
By Bob Weaver
Pleasant Hill Elementary School parents packed Grantsville's senior center last night to learn about a major replacement of corroded sewer lines at the school, which also includes some asbestos removal.
Superintendent Jane Lynch told parents the school system is carefully attempting to manage the $1.6 million replacement project, which could run into next summer.
"We have had the building professionally evaluated," Lynch said, referring to the asbestos problem, which must be done before the major sewer project can begin.
The school was constructed in the late 1970s and opened in 1980.
She said Calhoun received an emergency award yesterday of $956,000 for the first phase of the project.
Todd A. Zachwieja, CEO of ZDS, Design/Consulting Services, has been hired by Calhoun Schools to work on the problem. He showed the parents a sample of a corroded sewer line which runs the entire length of the school.
Zachwieja said the second floor pipes will be replaced later.
"We're looking at every safety and health issue we can think about," Lynch said, while keeping the students in the building on the second floor.
First floor already sealed, with work started
Principal Jackie Shimer told the Herald that most everything in the school has already been moved, saying "Things are looking good."
Shimer called the project "difficult but doable," saying the State Fire Marshall has approved the plan.
"The custodians and classroom teachers have really pitched in with the moving," she said.
Work has already begun on the project, the first floor is sealed. Officials said the asbestos problem, while rather minute, is in the mastic of the floor tiles and is being removed using a solvent.
They told parents that the asbestos removal should be completed before school starts, assuring them every precaution is being made regarding control of air flow and ventilation to protect student safety.
Superintendent Lynch discusses problems with parents (left)
one of two PHE spaces converted into lunch rooms (right)
Lynch said there is plenty of space on the second floor, indicating "The school was built for 500 students, with a current enrollment of 240 students."
Lunch tables have been erected in two classrooms, food will be delivered from outside the school.
Parents asked several questions about construction noise and air quality. Calhoun's facilities director Frank Tetrick said the high noise work will be done after school hours, reassuring parents the air will be free of asbestos.
Officials assured parents the second floor space will be used for physical activities during inclement weather.
Lynch said she found out about the problem about a week before school was out. "We have moved very rapidly on it," she said.
She concluded, "We will make sure it is safe."
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