Published Friday, 05 December, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Environmental results find Deception Bay High site safe for teachers and students
Investigations by an independent consultant have found the Deception Bay State High School site poses no environmental risk to staff or students, Education and Training Minister Rod Welford announced today.
Mr Welford said the investigation by Parsons Brinckerhoff had found no evidence of contamination, with soil, water and air samples from the site all being well within acceptable levels.
“Throughout this investigation the health and well-being of staff and students has been my highest priority,” Mr Welford said.
“A letter outlining the results of the tests has been sent home to parents today, and I hope this information will help alleviate some of their concerns.
“I have directed that the school’s staff and P&C be fully briefed on the findings of the environmental report as a matter of priority.
“I understand this has been an anxious time for some people within the school community and I appreciate their cooperation during this process.”
Mr Welford said a thorough investigation of Deception Bay State High School was initiated after health concerns were raised about the site.
“The investigation included an environmental assessment by an independent environmental consultant and a separate epidemiological and statistical analysis by Queensland Health, which is still ongoing,” he said.
As part of the Parsons Brinckerhoff study, soil samples were tested and found to meet the standard residential environmental and health investigation levels. The site is considered safe for staff and students and no further investigations are necessary to assess environmental contaminants within the soil.
All water samples taken from the site conformed to Australian Water Quality Guidelines with one drinking fountain showing slightly higher readings than others in the school, but still within the guidelines. This water fountain is being shut off while further tests are conducted as a precautionary measure.
No unusual or significant atmospheric contaminants were identified.
Further information about the environmental study can be found online at http://education.qld.gov.au/health/research/deception-bay.html
Media contact: Jo Crompton on 0418 758 579
Mr Welford said the investigation by Parsons Brinckerhoff had found no evidence of contamination, with soil, water and air samples from the site all being well within acceptable levels.
“Throughout this investigation the health and well-being of staff and students has been my highest priority,” Mr Welford said.
“A letter outlining the results of the tests has been sent home to parents today, and I hope this information will help alleviate some of their concerns.
“I have directed that the school’s staff and P&C be fully briefed on the findings of the environmental report as a matter of priority.
“I understand this has been an anxious time for some people within the school community and I appreciate their cooperation during this process.”
Mr Welford said a thorough investigation of Deception Bay State High School was initiated after health concerns were raised about the site.
“The investigation included an environmental assessment by an independent environmental consultant and a separate epidemiological and statistical analysis by Queensland Health, which is still ongoing,” he said.
As part of the Parsons Brinckerhoff study, soil samples were tested and found to meet the standard residential environmental and health investigation levels. The site is considered safe for staff and students and no further investigations are necessary to assess environmental contaminants within the soil.
All water samples taken from the site conformed to Australian Water Quality Guidelines with one drinking fountain showing slightly higher readings than others in the school, but still within the guidelines. This water fountain is being shut off while further tests are conducted as a precautionary measure.
No unusual or significant atmospheric contaminants were identified.
Further information about the environmental study can be found online at http://education.qld.gov.au/health/research/deception-bay.html
Media contact: Jo Crompton on 0418 758 579