Air quality at Attica Schools

ATTICA, Ind. (WLFI) - Concerns surfaced after a published report indicated toxic air conditions at the High School and elementary school. 

The allegations stemmed from a report in USA Today.  The report stated the elementary and high school buildings in Attica rank among the highest in the nation for poor outside air quality. 

According to the report, Harrison Steel was cited as the top contributor of a chemical with the greatest air impact.  Superintendent Judy Bush says, although the report was shocking, she says it was not accurate.

"It was alarming.  The way that was written you would think oh my goodness what is wrong here that are schools are ranked so high in terms of air quality," said Bush.

Bush says three years ago the Attica School Corporation evaluated the air quality in and around its buildings.

"We have done many things to make sure the air quality in the building is good.  We've revised at both buildings our HVAC system, we monitor CO2 levels and make sure we bring in fresh air," said Bush.

State environmental officials met with the Attica School Board, parents, teachers, and students after the report the was published.
 

Section Chief Project Manager Brian Wolff says the Indiana Department of Environmental Management conducted its own tests, which yielded different results.

"We did our own evaluation and we looked at permit levels, meteorological data, we did air toxic modeling work.  Our analysis showed the problem was not as bad as predicted," said Brian Wolff.

After that meeting, parents and students say they are confident the air is safe.

"I think that people are being a little bit more upset about it than needs to be, I've lived here all my life and so have my parents, and I raised my kids here and we've been fine," said Penny Haddock.

"I'm fine with it, not that I wasn't concerned before, because I was.  But, now, after gaining more knowledge I feel much better," said Lorinda McAdams.

"I talked to my dad, who actually is an employee at Harrison Steel, and they say the air pollution coming in just goes away after about 5 feet, so I'm really not worried about it," said Dereck Krane. 

Based on IDEM's information, the school board decided to not conduct further testing.  School Board member, Harold Long disagreed with that and resigned last month.  The former Attica Mayor had only served 3 months on the board.   He's already been replaced.  Long says no matter what the cost, the testing should have been conducted.