Asbestos Found Under Floors At Bunnell; Officials Working On Fix

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford is moving forward with plans to address asbestos found under carpeting at Bunnell High School.

The Town Council last week unanimously voted to allow the school board to seek a state grant for contaminant abatement and new flooring at Bunnell. The council also approved the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for the project.

The issue with the Bunnell floors was discovered last October, according to Stratford Chief Administrative Officer Christopher Tymniak, and involves asbestos under existing carpet.

"It's got to get done," Tymniak said of the abatement, noting officials received several complaints regarding the situation, which he referred to as an emergency.

Asbestos exposure increases risk for lung disease, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, but exposure typically occurs only when material containing asbestos is disturbed or damaged and releases particles and fibers into the air.

The abatement is expected to cost $2.3 million and be reimbursed at a rate of roughly 60 percent, officials said during the council meeting Feb. 10.

"The fear is always that the state's going to lower the reimbursement cost one day," Tymniak said at the meeting, which was recorded and posted on YouTube by the town.

The council also unanimously passed similar resolutions to seek grants and prepare schematics for roof replacements at Wooster Middle School, and Chapel and Second Hill Lane elementary schools, which are each anticipated to cost between $2.1 million to $2.6 million.

Officials hope to complete the projects in the summer or during the next school year, with the Bunnell flooring being the main priority, Tymniak said.