- Facility Improvements
- Woolsey Fire Testing Reports
Testing Reports: Woolsey Fire
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01/17/19
Limited Soil Report for Malibu High School
Forensic Analytical Consulting Services (FACS), on behalf of Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District (District) has performed soil sampling at the Malibu High School Campus. The assessment was performed on December 15 and 21, 2018.
Preliminary letter on soil testing, 1/17/19
Read the Limited Soil Report for Malibu High School
In November 2018, the Campus soil was affected by deposits of soot and ashes from the Woolsey Fire. Additionally, the Campus also experienced mudflow after rain events, following the Fire, that entered the campus from Clover Heights onto the softball files, baseball infield, and auxiliary field and tennis courts. As part of the approved scope of work, to assess the soil for hazardous classification, on December 15, 2018, FACS collected 20 surface soil samples in the playfields that were in the burn area but were not directly affected by the fire or mudflow. Additionally, to recommend soil erosion preventative measures, on December 21, 2018, 15, one-foot soil samples were collected to test for erodibility potential in the playfields that were in the burn area and were directly affected by the mud flow from off campus. Field activities were overseen by a California licensed Professional Geologist from FACS.
The soil samples (surface and one-foot) were analyzed for VOCs, CAM17 Metals, and TPH. Additionally, the one-foot depth samples were analyzed for Pesticides, pH, Conductivity, and Grain Size Distribution
On January 4, 2019, District staff reviewed the analytical results with a California licensed Professional Geologist from FACS. The upper top soils and mud in the playfields do not contain any hazardous materials. No additional testing is recommended, at this time. Any residual soil should be managed by a site-specific Operation and Maintenance plan.
The topography at the Site observed during the site walk indicated slope gradients of greater than 10%. Field observations and laboratory results confirmed that the upper top soils are low plasticity silty soils, which generally have a high erodibility potential, resulting in the Site being at a high risk of erosion from the wildfire. Therefore, FACS recommends that soil erosion preventative measures be implemented at the Site. The laboratory results reported that the upper top soil is alkaline in nature, therefore grass stabilization for revegetation to control soil erosion should be considered.
The objective of the Limited Soil Assessment was to evaluate the soil that was affected by deposits of soot and ashes from the Woolsey Fire in November 2018 and the mudflow that affected the campus after rain events, following the Fire, that entered the campus from Clover Heights onto the softball files, baseball infield, and auxiliary field and tennis courts. No additional testing is recommended at this time. Soil erosion control measures, such as grass stabilization for revegetation, are recommended, as a preventative measure.
Environmental Health Services: Findings of Air and Surface Sampling
Preliminary letter on soil testing, 1/17/19
Forensic Analytical Consulting Services (FACS) was retained by Santa Monica/Malibu Unified School District to assess potential exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at the Malibu school campuses. The request was made as part of the large-scale wildfire smoke impact evaluation following the Woolsey Fire. The assessment was performed on January 3 and 6, 2019. The purpose of the investigation was to assist in determining if burned debris of neighboring homes caused by the Woolsey Fire is contributing to above background levels of PAHs at the subject campuses.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of more than 100 chemicals that are released from burning coal, oil, cigarettes, gasoline, trash, tobacco, and wood. High-temperature cooking, such as grilling, will form PAHs in meat and other foods. Manufactured PAHs may be used in medicines and pesticides. When generated, PAHs can bind to or form small particles in the air that may eventually settle onto surfaces.
Exposure routes for PAHs include inhalation, ingestion and skin contact.
Based on assessment findings, elevated levels of PAHs in the air and on settled surfaces due to the burned debris of neighboring homes is not suspected at this time. This conclusion is based on exterior results which indicated no measurable levels identified in the air samples and result of interior surfaces and air sample results, which indicated levels similar to background levels with the exception of one location. Air sample results from Malibu High School; room 102 (science lab), indicated levels of acenaphthene above general background levels; however, surface sample results collected from the room did not indicate any measurable levels of acenaphthene on the sampled surface. As noted above acenaphthene can be produced during incomplete combustion, but is also found in various dyes, plastics, insecticides and fungicides. The specific source is unknown. However, based on results of all surface and sampling conducted at the various campuses, the main source is not suspected to be due to the burned debris at neighboring homes.
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Testing Reports - December 2018
SMMUSD worked with a certified professional cleaning company, experienced in cleaning and restoration, along with environmental specialists, industrial hygienists and other experts, to ensure schools are safe prior to the return of staff and students.
Air quality testing has been completed for lead, asbestos and other fine particulates.
The Scope of Work details the cleaning process. Best Management Practices (BMP) cleaning is school protocol that includes cleaning elements daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually.
No asbestos structures detected in the samples collected. Additionally, all lead dust sampling result were below the limit of detection.
The wipe samples for particulate matter have been received and the results are non-detect and/or below levels of concern.
All post fire PCB testing at Cabrillo came back as non-detect: