ICYMI: Schumer Calls For EPA To Investigate Northport MS

NORTHPORT, NY — Senator Charles Schumer urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a letter to get involved in the investigation of Northport Middle School after high levels of chemicals were found on-campus in January. He said the EPA could lend its expertise to local officials and state regulators in an effort to determine the extent of the hazardous chemicals detected.

Mercury was found in the cesspool outside the school, and elevated benzene levels were discovered in soil samples from two different septic systems, according to environmental firm PW Grosser Consulting. The school was closed for the rest of the academic year as a result of the findings.

Schumer said Northport-East Northport Union Free School District officials made the right call in shutting the school down and relocating students to other buildings, but the temporary closure needs to be taken advantage of to swiftly find critical answers rooted in science. The senator said the EPA is the correct agency for the job, and wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew R. Wheeler.

In his letter, Schumer strongly urged the EPA to quickly join an investigation into the presence of toxic chemicals on and near the school, as well as the district.

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