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Oakland Unified School District

Environmental Safety at AWE & EnCompass

Overview of Environmental Testing at the Acorn Woodland/EnCompass Campus

  • On advice of the Alameda County Environmental Health Department, OUSD tested soil vapor at numerous outdoor locations on the Acorn Woodland/EnCompass Campus.
  • The results of that testing showed the elevated levels of three chemicals, Perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and Trichloroethylene (TCE).
  • There is no known risk at this time; however, PCE, benzene, and TCE are carcinogens that may cause harm with long-term exposure in the air.
  • The State agency that oversees investigations and cleanup of hazardous materials releases to the environment did not recommend closing the Acorn/EnCompass campus or imposing access restrictions to buildings.
  • The next step is to test the indoor air to see if these chemicals are also present inside the school buildings.
  • OUSD will test the air inside all buildings across the campus.
  • Indoor air testing is expected to begin on or around September 15/16 - final results are expected to be made public by mid to late November.

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