Several parents, teachers and community members in Malibu expressed their dissatisfaction with a drafted plan to tackle the issue of possible toxins found in Malibu High School, Malibu Middle School and Juan Cabrillo Elementary, during a study session in Malibu last Wednesday.
The plan was prepared by Environ, the environmental firm contracted by the Santa Monica- Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD). Environ’s presentation came months after controversy at Malibu High School and Middle School arose October when a group of teachers came forward with several health concerns, including three suffering from thyroid cancer, though it’s unknown if the cancer and contamination are linked. Juan Cabrillo Elementary was eventually added to the potential area of concern. Frustration further erupted when it was revealed that toxic soils were found at Malibu High in 2010 and the school district did not notify parents about the situation.
The plan, which was laid out by Environ and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), calls for testing and cleanup of the school to begin as early as June, but many in attendance last week worry that short-term substance containment measures laid out in the plan may slow down long-term solutions.
Community concerns
The public workshop was just the tip of the iceberg for community members and school board members, who maintained that there is not enough communication and room for public input.
Seth Jacobson, a member of an environmental task force set up by the district when the environmental scare first arose, said on Wednesday that in a community like Malibu, there would have to be more transparency.
“Individualized, personalized connection, I think, is crucial,” said Jacobson, adding, “Just sending out emails is not going to work. We live in a community which is a very activist community.”
Board member Laurie Lieberman added that in Santa Monica and Malibu, there is “a high level of expectation” when it comes to community involvement.
“I’m impressed by the work that you’re doing,” said Lieberman, who later added that “there is a real perceived need that there be a little more inclusion of the public, in some way, if you will.”
Another issue raised during public comment was that of “encapsulation” of PCBs, a process where toxic building materials are sealed off but not removed. School board members and public commentators did not understand why toxins would not be removed unless there had been previously planned renovations.
“The recommendation right now is based on the known project,” said Doug Daugherty, of Environ, speaking about the planned school renovation plans currently being appealed to the California Coastal Commission.
“We need to get it removed in a relatively effective time frame, and efficiently and cost-effectively,” Daugherty added.
That response did not satisfy Jennifer deNicola, president of Malibu Unites, a group borne out of frustration with the SMMUSD’s handling of the environmental situation.
“Really, the most effective approach is to remove the caulk, if that’s what it is,” said deNicola, who cited high costs involved in the BMP (Best Management Practices).
“We have to be vigilant to figure out and be protective of our kids,” said deNicola, who stated that if the right questions were not asked, there could be more issues down the line.
What’s the plan?
Environ presented its plan, scheduled to take place during Summer 2014, in three sections: inspection, BMP and removal and cleanup.
The plan cannot be implemented without approval and oversight by DTSC and the EPA, who hope to have it finalized by the end of May. Once the plan is published, DTSC will put it online for public comment, at envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public.
Environ is aiming to locate and target PCB-containing building materials at the school locations and then implement “Best Management Practices,” or a routine and annual cleaning schedule.
It will then establish procedures for “characterizing, removing, cleaning up, and disposing of PCB containing building materials,” according to Environ’s presentation.
Tom Cota, Branch Chief of the DTSC Schools Evaluation and Brownfields Cleanup department, described the role of the government as overseeing the process, providing direction and oversight.
He stated that he hopes the entire process of detection and cleanup at the schools can be completed over the summer of 2014.
“I know the school, I’ve never seen a busier school in my life. There’s a lot of activities that go on at that campus, so we’re going to be working with the school district and the city to coordinate those efforts,” added Cota, who said he hopes the DTSC and Environ can have a public workshop before summer vacation begins in mid-June.