Richmond's Kennedy High School set to reopen on time after toxic chemical scare

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- Richmond's Kennedy High School officials say the campus is safe to reopen after signs of toxic vapor contamination.

"I need great news energy in this room, I got great news! There is no evidence of vapor intrusion at Kennedy High School and there is no evidence of immediate or long-term health concerns from PCE in our soil gas, that is exciting news!"

That was the announcement Thursday night in Richmond from West Contra Costa Unified School District Superintendent Cheryl Cotton. Quite simply, school will start on time Tuesday.

Traces of the toxic chemical PCE were found in five of six soil samples from the school campus earlier this summer, but indoor and outdoor air samples taken last week show that PCE is not in the air, in most campus locations.

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"We did find some PCE in some of the rooms specifically the welding shop and the kitchen," said Mandi Bane with the Department of Toxic Substances Control.

The state scientists who did the testing believe that that PCE in those rooms came from consumer products, not the soil below the school, still though the district will initially not be opening those two locations on campus, and will use a mobile kitchen.

Community members have concerns.

"They always talk about that welding program and all the students love it, they spend a lot of time in there along with the teacher or teachers who are in there all day long so we need to make sure that person is not breathing in these chemicals!"

Even with those two closures, soon to be ninth-grader Mia Sedano says she is relieved.

"Hearing that we get to go back it's like good news for me. Now that all the testing has been done I feel more comfortable returning," said Sedano.

The district says they will continue to monitor this issue and keep parents updated, but gave no specific future dates on additional tests.

Those with the district say they spent over $100,000 on these tests, additional money on air purifiers, but Thursday night they were all smiles because school is starting Tuesday at Kennedy High School.