Principal: Diesel contamination under Point Higgins school being monitored; vapor barrier planned

Point Higgins Principal Michael Hankey updated the Board of Education on diesel contamination found under the school and on remediation steps underway. He told the board the air in occupied spaces has remained safe, while subsurface and a water-holding area under the building have shown higher readings that are being actively monitored.

Hankey said contractors from Nortek worked on the site but pulled back after a dry spell; subsequent rain daylighted additional diesel that was contained with booms and absorbents. He said the North Tongass Fire Department has assisted and borough staff and district maintenance have adjusted procedures following recommendations from a Nortek representative who visited town.

"The building air in the occupied spaces have been safe the whole time," Hankey said. He added that ventilation changes under the building over the previous 48 hours had ‘‘significantly improved’’…