GHS Fields Remediation Project
In July 2011, during the course of excavation work for the Greenwich High School building project, unexpected soil conditions were discovered in the fields. Comprehensive air, water and soil sampling was conducted, revealing levels of contaminants in the soil above acceptable limits. Interim remediation strategies were implemented and the fields were cleared as safe for use. The Greenwich Public Schools/Board of Education and the Town of Greenwich are working in collaboration to address the environmental concerns of the GHS fields. Licensed environmental professionals have been contracted to plan for and implement a comprehensive Remedial Action Plan (RAP). The Town of Greenwich and State Departments of Health and Environmental Protection and the Federal EPA are also involved in consultation on the testing and remediation plans.
Project Update
The environmental investigation and remediation activities that began at Greenwich High School property in July 2011 have progressed to the second phase (Phase II) of remediation under the Connecticut Voluntary Remediation Program, and remediation of the athletic fields is ongoing.
Some of the highlights include:
- The school continues to be safe.
- Remediation work in Field 2, Field 5 and several areas in the Western Parking Lot commenced in June 2023. Excavation work in Field 2 and Field 5 was completed in Fall 2023.
- Restoration of Field 5 is underway and weather permitting, Field 5 is expected to be available for use in Spring 2024.
- Restoration of Field 2 will be completed in Spring 2024 and the field will remain unavailable for use in through Summer 2024.
As a reminder:
- The health and safety of students, faculty, neighbors, and the public is paramount to the Town during the performance of this work. To ensure public safety:
- Work areas have been demarcated with fencing and signage, and access to work areas is restricted.
- A dust monitoring and control plan is implemented when earthwork is occurring.
- Truck traffic will be limited during school operational hours and will be directed to avoid busy times at the beginning and end of the school day.
- Sediment and erosion controls will be installed, inspected, and maintained routinely to protect West Brothers Brook and other natural resources.
For a more detailed updates, please refer to the dropdown below.
Public Hearing for Phase II GHS Fields Soil Remediation - January 27, 2021
The Town of Greenwich and Greenwich Public Schools held a virtual public meeting to provide additional information to the community and provide additional opportunity for comment. Representatives from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will also be available to answer questions. The public meeting was held via Zoom and began at 6:00 pm on January 27, 2021. The recording of the public meeting is included below and the presentation that was shared is available here. Additionally, details about how to submit public comment in writing are below. The deadline to submit public comment is March 1, 2021.
Public Hearing for Phase II GHS Fields Soil Remediation - January 27, 2021
Verbal and written comments from the public were accepted at the forum.
Written comments can also be submitted to:
Jeffrey Wilcox
CT DEEP
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Jeff.wilcox@ct.gov
Please note: Public comment period runs through March 1, 2021