OSWEGO – As the Oswego City School District continues to transform its instructional spaces and facilities as part of its ongoing capital project, construction crews recently discovered contaminated soil that will be remedied to ensure the health and safety of all community members.
According to Superintendent Dr. Mathis Calvin III, the issue was discovered when crews were creating a stormwater management floodplain in the area along Hillside Avenue known as the former Wilber Field.
“Workers noticed visibly stained soils while digging below grade (approximately 3 to 4 feet),” Calvin said. “Our consultants began taking multiple samples and coordinating with our Board of Education, the city of Oswego, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the state Department of Education and other agencies to determine the source of contamination and how to effectively proceed with remediation efforts.”
Calvin noted that as soon as crews made the discovery, the area was secured and the district began developing plans for remediation efforts to prioritize the health and safety of the community while minimizing costs.
“Plans have been carefully considered and the district is working to receive necessary approvals so that we may move forward safely and in a fiscally responsible manner,” Calvin said. “Any resulting work will be completed as required under the law, including awarding work to the lowest responsive bidder.”
For additional information about the district’s plans for remediation, please visit www.oswego.org/capitalproject to access a FAQ document regarding the discovery.
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That area was the city dump at one time. Why is this not a surprise? That will blow their sports (marching band) ‘budget’…not a surprise either. Get ready for more bonding to pay for the important stuff like building repairs. Should have left things alone.