Engineers Bored Holes in Earth, Tested Air
Environmental engineers conducted several tests to determine what was seeping out of the ground at Park Avenue Elementary School and how dangerous it might be.
They bored 15 holes, 2 to 30 feet deep, throughout the playground to determine the composition and depth of the seepage. The substance was found mainly in two areas on the east side of the playground at depths of about 5 and 7 feet.
Engineers also took samples of the soil and tested air quality inside the school and on the playground. The tests found that the soil was contaminated with petroleum chemicals and industrial solvents, but that the air contained insignificant amounts of hazardous vapors.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
