Tax Payers Pick Up Bill For El Dorado Landscaping -- MesoLink.org -- 10-11-04

The work carried out around Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills has been paid for by the Environmental Protection Agency, which is ultimately funded by the average taxpayer.

The work was identified in order to minimize on risks from asbestos in the soil around the building. However, although the area is an affluent one the school district stated that the budget would not accommodate the work required, and the EPA had to foot the bill for the landscaping and clean up that was carried out.

The work was deemed crucial in order to stop the asbestos dust from becoming airborne. If airborne asbestos dust and fibers are swallowed or breathed in they can cause a deadly form of cancer, mesothelioma, which can take several decades to develop fully.

The 49acre campus has already been at the center of concerns after grading of the fields caused the disturbance of asbestos. This left asbestos-rich soils exposed, heightening the risk of exposure for the staff, students and residents in the immediate vicinity.

Legally, the school district could have been liable to pay the costs of the clean up and work as the problem was on their premises. However, the EPA stated that the school ”had no uncommitted funds to pay the government” and therefore no claims for reimbursement were made.