The controversial synthetic turf fields at Brighton High School have hit an unexpected snag — the ground slated for construction is full of old industrial trash laced with lead, mercury, chromium and arsenic above state-approved levels.
As a result, any earth work on the site has been halted under construction and environmental safety protocols. The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health are now involved and an environmental consulting firm, Terracon, has been retained by the district.
The costs for remediation of the site are expected to be considerable with estimates ranging from $14 million (full removal of the contamination) to grading and covering the contamination (about $3 million) to avoid disturbance.
What was found beneath the site — and what happens next
The historic refuse has been there for more than 100 years — a hallmark from the property’s previous life as a brick factory where clay was excavated. The debris includes ash, cinders, brick, glass, ceramic and metals. It was found in 17 of 20 test pits on the property, between 2.5 and 7 feet below the surface…