Newport, OR – February 8, 2019 – Today, the Lincoln County School District paid an independent air quality firm to run a complete test of the Crestview Heights Elementary school in Waldport. After a boiler released a plume of smoke including diesel exhaust last week, the District closed school for a day for the smell to clear and re-opened school after receiving clearance from the Central Coast Fire Department; there were still concerns from staff and parents as to whether or not there was any cause for concern of using the building.
The results from a third-party air-quality firm, PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc., consultant Douglas Hancock, CIH, CSP, Senior Project Manager will be released in full upon receipt this week. His statement to the findings is,
“On Friday, February 8, 2019, PBS measured airborne concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide throughout the Crestview Heights Elementary School. During this testing, PBS observed no elevated levels of these diesel fuel combustion contaminants. It is PBS’ opinion that there is currently no indication of an indoor air quality concern relayed to the January 26 boiler missfire event.
Douglas Hancock CIH CSP
BPS Engineering and Environmental”
The consultant, stayed after conducting the tests to speak with staff members of the building.
Dr. Karen Gray said, “We felt it would be prudent to have yet another test run by one of the nation’s top-environmental quality testing firms to make absolutely certain that we are providing the best for our staff and students. If any mitigation is recommended then we will follow that plan immediately.” In addition, the District is planning to install additional Co2 monitors.
On Monday night, February 11, from 7 PM to 8 PM parents will also have a chance to go over the results and ask any questions they might have with regard to the situation. The meeting will be at Crestview Heights Elementary School in the Cafeteria. An invitation to parents will go out today using the One Call Now system and Remind from Crestview Heights Elementary School Principal Libba Sager.