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$94K Penalty for School District, Principal for A "Flagrant "PCBs Violations

Release Date: 4/4/2002
Contact Information: Rick Albright
albright.rick@epamail.epa.gov
(206) 553-1847

Superintendent/Principal/Science Teacher told parents "No PCBs"

The Northwest regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency today filed a formal complaint against the Camas Valley School District and Principal/science teacher David Gianotti for serious violations of federal laws governing the handling and disposal of Polychlorinated Bi-Phenyls or PCBs. The EPA requests $94,600 in penalties for the violations.

The EPA discovered the violations after an anonymous informant urged the agency to investigate the handling of the school=s leaky fluorescent light fixtures. Gianotti is also the Superintendent of the school district.

EPA investigators learned that during the week of January 8, 2001 a fire in a fluorescent light fixture in Room 22 -- the second & third grade schoolroom -- produced smoke and a strong odor that persisted for several weeks. A teacher and some students subsequently complained of illnesses. When Gianotti found that the light fixture was the source of the fire, he sent a letter to parents indicating that there were no health effects attributable to the light fixtures and that the fixture did not contain PCBs.

The EPA tested tar-like substances found on the carpet in the room and found PCBs concentrations as high as 52,000 parts per million (ppm). Tests on other light fixtures showed PCBs concentrations ranging from 2,800 ppm to 20,000 ppm. Tests on a light fixture in Room 20, the kindergarten classroom, showed concentrations of 400 ppm. Substances containing 50 ppm or greater PCBs are regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act and must be handled and disposed of in accordance with procedures outlined in the law.

The EPA investigators also discovered that Gianotti hired high school students to dispose of the PCBs-laden light fixtures but did not provide them with appropriate personal protection gear.

Gianotti acknowledged he was aware of the recent PCBs cases in other Oregon schools, and that he=d received information about proper handling and disposal of PCBs-laden light fixtures. The nine violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act total $94,600 in penalties.

A These are flagrant violations that deserve stiff penalties, @ said Rick Albright, the EPA Regional Director of the Office of Waste and Chemicals Management. AIt=s unconscionable for someone in this position, who knew what the law requires, to expose kids to PCBs.”