AMHERST — Dust and debris associated with the ongoing demolition of the former Fort River School is raising concerns about air quality at the neighboring Amethyst Brook School and its outdoor spaces.
District 1 Councilor Cathy Schoen, who chairs the Elementary School Building Committee, told the Town Council last week that crews are ensuring work is being done to minimize these impacts.
“One of the issues that has come up, and the team is addressing it is, are there particulates in the air that are coming down on the playground area for children?” Schoen said.
Even as the crews water down the project site, Schoen said families are being notified about what is happening.
Still, Schoen said she has had questions about whether children should be wearing masks when at the school.
Distirct 1 Councilor Jill Brevik said despite the use of water, there could be inexpensive solutions that could be done quickly to better shield the playground.
“The spray is working to tamp down the dust, but when there’s wind it kicks back,” Brevik said.
Brevik said children are reporting being slimy at certain times.
School officials are notifying families about the issue.
At this week’s Amherst School Committee meeting, member Bridget Hynes asked how the mist from the demolition is avoiding children while they are on the playground.
Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman said she had no information about any impacts.
“I haven’t had reports about it affecting students,” Herman said.
