Officials from the Indiana Department of Health, Lebanon Fire Department and Lebanon Community School Corporation investigated air quality and public safety concerns at Perry-Worth Elementary School last week after a complaint was filed with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
The investigation stemmed from a series of reports about odors in the school, which were placed into a comprehensive complaint with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management that was referred to the Indiana Department of Health. The Lebanon Fire Department was alerted of the situation before noon on Tuesday, Feb. 6 when a neighboring fire department received a voicemail from a concerned citizen that was forwarded to Lebanon Fire Chief Chuck Batts.
Upon receiving the information, Fire Department Administrative Chiefs reportedly met with school staff immediately, and a Lebanon Fire Department crew was dispatched to the school to investigate the reports. Upon arriving at the school, firefighters inspected all areas of the building utilizing a 4-gas meter, which is used extensively by public safety agencies to simultaneously measure oxygen concentration, carbon monoxide levels, hydrogen sulfide and combustible gases, such as natural gas and propane.
According to officials, the initial investigation did not produce remarkable results, which led the firefighters to deem the building as safe for occupants. The investigation noted that oxygen concentrations were within normal range across the building, and no traces of toxic or combustible gases were located in any area of the school. First responders cleared the scene at 3:04 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
However, the Boone County Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call less than 24 hours after the initial investigation concluded with a request for firefighters to investigate an odor of gas at the school. As fire crews responded to the scene, they performed a detailed investigation of the building using gas monitoring instruments, and reports showed that the investigation did not produce any abnormal results. Officials decided to push further with the investigation.
Around 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, administrators from the school corporation and firefighters accompanied an investigator from the Indiana Department of Health to investigate the reports, conducting an indoor air quality inspection at the school. According to the reports, the investigation included testing equipment and methodology that was similar to those utilized by the firefighters alongside additional tests for carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds.
Reports show that the tests produced no remarkable results with readings within the normal range. After conducting the three tests over three days at the school, officials concluded that the school was safe to resume its normal operations.
The Indiana Department of Health announced that it will release a detailed report to school officials regarding the tests, and the school officials and firefighters will continue to monitor the air quality and will provide updates to the public with further information.
Officials urged community members that notice gas odors or experience symptoms of a sudden onset of a headache or nausea to contact 9-1-1 immediately t0 ensure the safety of themselves, students and staff at the school.
Officials noted that the nearly 60-year-old building is undergoing extensive renovations and construction while remaining open.