Concern Over PCB Contamination in Hartford Schools: Demolition and Uncertainty Loom
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Hartford school officials are debating whether to demolish up to 60% of the town’s high school due to dangerous levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), toxic substances historically used in construction materials. While Hartford grapples with this issue, other Upper Valley schools await test results to determine their exposure to these now-banned chemicals.
Testing for PCBs began in Vermont under Act 74, passed in 2021, requiring assessments of buildings constructed before 1980. Hartford High School, built in 1972, was the first in the region to show serious contamination during air quality tests last August, while other district schools have tested negative.
As statewide funding to assist schools in this testing has run dry, legislative leaders urge caution against premature responses. Hartford’s facilities manager, Jonathan Garthwaite, proposed a phased approach to addressing the contamination and has already relocated the culinary arts program to a nearby facility.
Legislative discussions regarding the 2026 state budget may provide some financial relief, with Hartford identified as a priority site for PCB remediation. However, Superintendent Christine Bourne and others from surrounding supervisory unions express uncertainty about testing schedules and costs.
Health experts, like Dartmouth epidemiology professor Megan Romano, highlight the long-lasting impact of PCBs, which remain classified as hazardous despite their ban in 1979. Legislators acknowledge a broader backlog in school renovation needs, raising concerns about resource allocation.
As Hartford navigates these complexities, worries over the health implications of PCBs persist. Notably, State Sen. Alison Clarkson emphasized that while toxic chemicals must be addressed, immediate building integrity issues could pose greater risks to students.
For updates, contact Liz Sauchelli at esauchelli@vnews.com.
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