Council Rock Participates In DEP's Chemical Cleanout Campaign

Council Rock was one of 11 school districts in the state that recently participated in the 2017-2018 Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign led by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

To be eligible to apply for a one-time cleanout, schools must complete the Department of Environmental Protection’s chemical management training and complete a laboratory chemical inventory. The department then coordinates a chemical cleanout event over the summer, when hazardous and nonhazardous wastes are transported to the appropriate permitted disposal facilities.

More than 57,000 pounds of outdated, excess, and high-risk chemicals and 158 pounds of low-level radioactive materials from 180 schools statewide have been removed since the program began in 2011.

Cleanouts, which are provided to schools at no cost, are carried out by approved contractors under DEP supervision, and hazardous and nonhazardous wastes are transported to appropriate permitted disposal facilities.

“We’re committed to helping schools protect their students, faculty, and staff by preventing problems with mishandled chemicals,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Lab accidents can and do happen at schools. To help reduce risk, we train teachers and staff on the full spectrum of chemical use in teaching, from thoughtful purchasing to safe handling, storage, and disposal."

Local officials applauded the effort. “I’m pleased to see Council Rock School District taking the proactive steps to participate in this program,” said State Rep. Perry Warren. “Proper training to ensure chemicals are handled, stored and disposed of properly will help protect students and staff and keep our schools safe.”

In addition to the Council Rock School District, the following schools were approved for the 2018 chemical cleanout:

• Huntingdon County: Mount Union School District and Southern Huntingdon County School District;
• Lackawanna County: Lakeland Junior/Senior High School;
• Luzerne County: Crestwood School, Hazleton Area High School, and Northwest Area School District;
• Mercer County: Mercer Area Middle School;
• Montgomery County: Bala Cynwyd Middle School and Harriton High School;
• Potter County: Coudersport Area Junior/Senior High School.

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