- Roslyn School District
- Investigation into Illegal Dumping
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Roslyn Public Schools
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
The school district has been made aware of an enforcement action taken against construction contractors by New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Suffolk County District Attorney. The district was only indirectly and briefly involved in this matter, but because we have been informed that our instance is part of a wider investigation that may soon be made public, I wanted to take the opportunity to explain exactly what happened as it applies to the district and to allay any concerns for our community in that regard.Last June, as capital projects were under way at the Heights School, a material supplier for the general contractor delivered a load of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) on school grounds. This material is typically composed of old concrete from sidewalks, pavement, curbing and similar infrastructure. While the supplier was indeed working for our general contractor, the product was not being used on our project.Unbeknownst to the district, the DEC and law enforcement had been conducting an investigation relative to certain construction contractors, and chose that particular time to initiate an investigative action against the delivery truck. Because this was part of an ongoing law enforcement action, the district was directed by the DEC to leave the load of RCA in place and to refrain from communicating about the matter at that time.Out of an abundance of caution, the district immediately:- Covered the material with a tarp;
- Cordoned off the area;
- Placed guards at the site to prevent anyone from accessing it; and
- Hired an independent environmental firm to test the composition of the product and to take air samples.
The results of the testing in June indicated the material was not hazardous. Air quality samples were normal.In July, the DEC informed us that we could have the contractor remove the material and that no remediation was required. Our construction manager promptly directed the contractor to remove the material, in coordination with DEC. All costs associated with this matter, including testing, are the responsibility of the general contractor.While no hazard was posed to our community, it seems clear that something unusual and potentially illicit was suspected, and thus we greatly appreciate the efforts by the DEC and law enforcement. Of course, we will continue to offer our full assistance in any ongoing investigations by the authorities. Please be assured that we will update our community if there are any meaningful developments.Sincerely,Allison BrownSuperintendent of SchoolsMarch 2019