On March 2, 2009, USEPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced a new initiative to measure levels of toxic air pollution near many schools across the country for better protection. However, opponents are worried that USEPA has no game plan but is simply responding to the media's unverified reports.
1
When will USEPA Conduct the Sampling?
USEPA anticipates monitoring at some schools will begin within the next 30 days. Some states have already begun monitoring
2
Who Will Conduct the Indoor Air Monitoring?
Directed by EPA, the monitoring will be conducted primarily by state and local governments. It is possible that the governments will use sampling contractors and a contract laboratory to conduct the work.
3
What are the negatives associated with this type of work?
Opponents of the project believe that without the appropriate standards in place, USEPA's data will cause unnecessary worry, and in some cases, potential panic, by students, parents, teachers and administrators. Opponents also believe that the USEPA should have a well-established end-game and not just execute the project based on a knee-jerk reaction to the media.
4
What should the school district do?
If USEPA wants access to the school property, they must request access like any other party. The district can deny access or enter into an access agreement to gain some control over the process. An access agreement would typically ask for insurance from the USEPA or its contractor, an indemnity for any damage that might result, input on the location and method of sampling, a copy of the data, and limitations on the access to non-school hours.
5
What else can I do?
To avoid spurious data, a district may want to hire its own expert to take "split samples" with the USEPA to verify the data. Such an expert can also oversee the work to determine whether it is performed in accordance with proper procedures.
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