• 2022-2023 ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

    As a result of the federal legislation Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), each primary and secondary school in the nation is required to complete a stringent inspection for asbestos and to develop a plan of management for all asbestos containing building materials. Independent School District #318 has a goal to be in full compliance with this law and is following the spirit, as well as, the letter of the law. As a matter of policy, the district shall continue to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our community’s youth and employees.

    In keeping with this legislation, all buildings (including portables and support buildings) owned or leased by Independent School District #318 were inspected by EPA accredited inspectors and samples were analyzed by an independent laboratory. Based on the inspection, the district prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for the safe and responsible handling of asbestos within its buildings.

    This past year, Independent School District #318 conducted the following with respect to its asbestos-containing building materials:

    * Continued periodic surveillance by Institute for Environmental Assessment.

    Federal law requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) every six months of each area containing asbestos. In addition, the law requires for all buildings to be re-inspected three years after a management plan is in effect. Institute for Environmental Assessment will accomplish this under contract. Areas where management issues are noted during inspections and surveillance have been and will continue to be dealt with promptly.

    Short term workers (outside contractors i.e., telephone repair workers, electricians, and exterminators) must be provided information regarding the location of asbestos in which they may come into contact. All short term workers shall contact the lead maintenance person before commencing work to be given this information.

    Independent School District #318 has a list of the location(s), type(s) of asbestos-containing materials found in that school building, and a description and time-table for their proper management. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the school office. Copies are available at 25 cents per page. Questions related to the plan should be directed to Taylor Dickenson at Institute for Environmental Assessment, Mt. Iron, Minnesota at 800-233-9513 or by contacting Darin Cherne at Independent School District #318 at 218-327-5834 or dcherne@isd318.org.