A hand-delivered letter from Bloomfield's health department to schools super Thomas Dowd demands quick action in resolving the fume issues at Bloomfield High School. The letter, delivered on Friday, gave Dowd five days to "eliminate this public health nuisance." If the weekend and Good Friday aren't counted, that would give the school district until next Monday.

I bring your attention to the fact that this Department has responded to eight (8) incidents concerning fumes/odors since our inspection with PMK Group on Feb. 23, 2005. These incidents involve at least twelve (12) rooms being affected/evacuated. The frequency of the incidents involving fumes/odors is unacceptable. Furthermore, fumes/odors in occupied portions of the building constitute a public health nuisance.

In his letter, Weigle told Dowd to either implement PMK Group's recommendations or stop construction during school hours. For his part, Dowd, in a hand-delivered reply yesterday, pointed out that "air quality in occupied spaces is within all legal requirements." He added, "With that being said, there are also recommendations sited by PMK that need immediate attention."

Signs that the town-school district dispute is escalating can be found in the cc list. In addition to the usual suspects, both letters were copied to township attorney Vincent Pirone and Assemblyman Craig Stanley.

March 22, 2005 in Controversy | Permalink