Jane School To Close After New

Report of Radioactive Contamination  

The Hazelwood School District announced Tuesday night at its board meeting that Jana Elementary School will close. Students will switch to virtual learning for the remainder of the current semester

Remote learning will start on Oct. 24. The decision was announced following a report stating radioactive contamination was found at the school. The meeting was packed with parents demanding action during public comments.

Betsy Rachel, HSD board president, said in the meeting, “This has brought a disruption to our students’ education climate, and for that, we apologize.” The board has asked the Department of Energy to assist with cleanup efforts. The district plans to have students in news schools on Nov. 28 just after the Thanksgiving holiday, and no later than the beginning of the second semester. The district will look at potential redistricting next year.

Jana Elementary School is located near Coldwater Creek, which was contaminated by nuclear waste from weapons production during World War II.

The Army Corps of Engineers has been cleaning up the creek for more than 20 years, but this latest report by the Boston Chemical Data Corp. states the amount is much worse than expected. They tested samples taken from Jana’s library, kitchen, classrooms, fields, and playgrounds. The study urges cleanup as these radioactive materials can be harmful.

According to a new environmental study, there is significant radioactive contamination at Jana Elementary School where nuclear weapons were produced during World War II, The Army Corps of Engineers has been cleaning up the creek for more than 20 years. The latest report by the Boston Chemical Data Corp. states the amount is much worse than expected.

The report by Boston Chemical Data Corp. recently confirmed fears of contamination at Jana School The school district board had met Tuesday (Oct. 18) night and had expected a large turnout because of the new report. About 100 were in attendance and some thanked the school board for making a quick decision to close Jana School, but some voiced concerns about the timing of the information.

Jana School in the flood plain of Coldwater Creek, which was contaminated by nuclear waste from weapons production during World War II. The waste was dumped at sites near the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, next to the creek that flows to the Missouri River.

The Corps has been cleaning up the creek for more than 20 years and had found found contamination in the area but at much at lower levels the. The most recent involved samples taken from Jana’s library, kitchen, classrooms, fields and playgrounds.

Levels of the radioactive isotope lead-210, polonium, radium and other toxins were found which are “far in excess” of what Boston Chemical had expected. Dust samples taken inside the school were found to be contaminated. Inhaling or ingesting these radioactive materials can cause significant injury, the report said.

“A significant remedial program will be required to bring conditions at the school in line with expectations,” the report said. The Hazlwood district said in a statement that it will consult with its attorneys and experts to determine the next steps.

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