Riverside Unified held a public hearing July 26 on the preliminary environmental equivalent report for the proposed Ofelia Valdez Eastside elementary school site.

Jim Steele, a geologist with the district’s environmental consultant, summarized a multi‑phase assessment of the site that included historical research, Phase I evaluations and a Phase II sampling program completed in 2018–2019 and supplemented in 2024. Steele said that historical uses on and near the site included residences, a gasoline station and a wood‑repair facility, and that testing evaluated soils for lead‑based paint, organochlorine pesticides, volatile organic compounds associated with former fuel stations, total petroleum hydrocarbons and other potential contaminants.

The consultant reported 325 soil samples had been analyzed for pesticides and lead among other constituents and that some lead‑related findings were identified as potential concerns in the Phase I review. The team prepared an “equivalent” report for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) so that the state agency and the public could review the data. The public comment period for the equivalent report ran from June 2 through July 2, the consultant said.

Steele said the district will conduct follow‑up site investigation work if DTSC’s review identifies data gaps; the results of any supplemental investigation will determine whether remediation is required and what measures would be put in place to reduce risk to students, staff and future site workers. The consultant said remediation, if required, would be performed under DTSC oversight and to levels acceptable for a new school site, and that final site clearance would be required from the California Department of Education before school construction proceeds.

No members of the public spoke during the environmental hearing. The board closed the hearing after staff questions and said the district will proceed with the DTSC review and any recommended follow‑up steps.