Resident tells council more than 200 truckloads of dirt were moved next to Alice Burney School and asks for soil testing

Thomas Stewart, a Eureka resident, told the City Council during public comment that more than 200 truckloads of uncovered dirt were moved from Albee Stadium to the soccer field next to Alice Burney School and said neighborhood homeowners were not informed. He described visible concrete pipe, roots and a strong odor that he said "smelled like sewage," and urged the city to require testing before children could be exposed.

Stewart also said he surveyed 40 nearby homeowners and reported broad concern about the soil placement and the lack of permits. "City schools has not been honest about why this dirt was moved there in the first place," Stewart said, adding that he believes state agencies that regulate schools require permission for such moves.

Council and staff did not provide a detailed response in the public comment period. The item was recorded as a public comment and not an agendized public hearing; no city testing plan or enforcement action was announced during the meeting. City staff should be asked to review records and to report back on permits, any required environmental testing, and whether further action is needed to protect students and neighbors.

Status: Allegation presented at public comment. Claim has not been substantiated in the meeting record and remains unresolved pending city follow-up.