School Site Test Finds Some Arsenic in Soil
Soil tests have disclosed above average levels of arsenic at the Valerio Primary Center, prompting further tests, but the discovery is not likely to delay the school’s planned September opening, officials said Friday.
The highest detected level of the metallic carcinogen--12.8 parts per million--is not high enough to pose health risks, agricultural experts and Los Angeles Unified School District officials said.
Still, district officials said they plan to conduct additional tests and confer with the state Department of Toxic Substances Control to determine the best way to handle contaminated spots, such as replacing areas with new soil.
Construction will continue on parts of the Valerio site, said Erik Nasarenko, a district spokesman, emphasizing that unless tests discover additional contamination, the primary center should still open Sept. 13.
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