DoDEA

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — February 24, 2010 — In response to health concerns voiced by faculty and staff of both Galer Elementary and Bolden Elementary/Middle Schools aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, S.C., the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) has joined forces with the Norfolk U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to evaluate air quality in the facilities, according to Dr. Bruce Jeter, DoDEA/DDESS/DoDDS-Cuba Acting Director.

USACE contracted with RS&H, an Architectural, Engineering, Planning and Environmental Services Company, to provide an indoor air quality expert and a mechanical engineer to assist with the initial assessment. Based on the initial assessment results, indications are that no unhealthy conditions associated with indoor air quality currently exist.

However, both Col. John R. Snider, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Commanding Officer, and Jeter agree, in an effort to alleviate any additional concerns for our students, faculty, staff and parents, that DDESS, USACE and their contractor will proceed with additional assessments and evaluation.

“The school district provided DDESS engineers, USACE and RS&H, with a list of illnesses, and background on building-related issues that could affect air quality, such as roof repairs and mechanical upgrades,” Jeter said. “Based on the indoor air quality assessment team’s recommendation, DDESS has asked USACE to prepare a scope of work to include a more in-depth air quality assessment and potable water samples to ensure drinking water sources are not contributing to problems.”