'Small Concentrations Of Lead' Found In Southampton School Gym

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The discovery of "small concentrations of lead" in the Southampton Intermediate School gymnasium has led to its closure while cleanup commences.

According to a letter by Southampton School Superintendent Nicholas Dyno on Wednesday, the lead was discovered during routine maintenance.

The lead was discovered "in surface dust that had accumulated on elevated structures and surfaces within the gym. Following discussions with our environmental consultants, EnviroScience, it was noted that there is no danger to our students or staff, as the lead is not airborne," he wrote in a letter on the district's website.

However, Dyno said, the health, safety and well-being of students and staff is the district's top priority, "and the Board of Education and district administration have made the decision to close the intermediate school gymnasium and locker rooms effective immediately and begin a thorough cleanup. Until further notice, all physical education classes and athletic practices and competitions will be held in alternative locations."

The district has contracted Branch Services, an environmental services remediation company, to perform a thorough cleanup and retesting, Dyno said.

The work will begin as soon as possible and occur during non-school hours.

Completion is anticipated for Sunday evening, Dyno said.

Following OSHA's lead in construction standards, the accumulated surface dust will be thoroughly cleaned off all elevated gymnasium structural steel rafters, I-beams, bar joists, trusses, elevated equipment and windowsills.

As an extra precaution, the district will perform additional testing of surfaces throughout the intermediate school, he said.

"We appreciate your patience as we undertake this process for the betterment of our students and staff. We will continue to update the community as additional testing is conducted and work is completed," Dyno said.

Patch file photo.