Lincoln Elementary School has recently received focus from members of the community indicating health code violations are being ignored. The concerns centered around rumors of mold, asbestos tiles, leaking ceilings, foundry emissions and claims of harmful waste residing under the school building.

However, after investigation, it appears these fears may be laid to rest.

According to Warsaw Community Schools Director of Building and Grounds and Indoor Air Quality Coordinator Greg Schroeder, the school has taken careful measures to ensure the environment is safe for staff and students.

In 2009 the United States Environmental Protection Agency conducted a survey of the air quality near the school. From Aug. 23 to Oct. 16, 2009, an EPA monitor collected air samples there. The EPA focused their testing on manganese and nickel which were the key pollutants of interest at the time. Testing included both short-term exposure and long-term exposure.

The EPA concluded after that testing that the air emissions were not harmful in a short-term or long-term exposure. The agency posted the monitored readings on its website for all 10 test dates. The results revealed the test results were well below the harmful levels for the toxins and the school was deemed safe for short-term and long-term exposure. Individual results can be seen online at http://www.epa.gov/schoolair/LincolnEleResults.html or you may view the full report on the EPA’s website press-release.

According to Schroeder, claims that mold is growing rampantly under the school are also incorrect. The only structure located under the school grounds is a 3 foot wide and 3 foot deep concrete tunnel that houses the school’s heat piping.

While Schroeder does note the tunnels run along the perimeter of the school and are leaky, he does not believe the conditions are favorable for mold growth. Furthermore, Schroeder states the school has undergone air quality tests within the last year and a half to test for mold within classrooms after a parent voiced concerns. These tests came back negative for any signs of mold. Schroeder states that should mold be growing within the tunnel system, it would would be apparent on the the air quality tests performed.

Asbestos tiles were also a cause of concern for parents. While the school does utilize asbestos ceiling tiles in six classrooms and one corridor of the building, the school does not believe this is a cause of concern. According to Schroeder, asbestos ceiling tiles are among the most stable uses of asbestos use.

Schroeder also states the school does implement an “asbestos management plan” which helps the school ensure they are following proper safety protocol with the material.

The building, which was constructed in the 1950’s, does manage the asbestos according to state and federal requirements. There are no current plans to replace these tiles. According to Schroeder, it is more likely at this point for the school to build an all new structure than to renovate the current elementary school. A copy of the school’s asbestos management plan is available at the school for those looking for more information.

Additional concerns voiced by local citizens to Stacey Page Online included the leaking ceiling, which has caused several ceiling tiles to fall without immediate replacement. There is also a rumor that harmful waste was being dumped on school grounds prior to the school’s construction in the 1950’s.

While Schroeder does state the school has had an issue with the ceiling leaking due to recent rainfall, he notes the reason the tiles in question have not be replaced is due to the fact the leak is ongoing and would harm any replacement tiles installed.

The claim of questionable waste being dumped under the school structure was a rumor the school was unaware of, however, Schroeder did say he believes the school to have been built upon agricultural cornfields. He also says that should the grounds have been polluted, he believes this would have been evident through the air quality testing the school administered for mold as well as through the EPA.

The Kosciusko County Health Department adds there are currently no withstanding complaints against the school and that the school is following regulations to the health department’s knowledge.

The Kosciusko County Health Department, as well as Schroeder, encourage anyone with concerns to contact either the Lincoln Elementary School Principal, Cathy Snyder at (574) 267-7474 or the Kosciusko County Health Board at (574) 267-4444.