An odor detected in portions of Fairfield Elementary campus the middle of last week had students and teachers moving out of their classrooms, and later had some of the students finishing the school week through remote learning.
Parents were informed about 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 that students had been moved to the gym, cafeteria and playground area. They were given the option of picking their children up early.
School and local officials converged on the scene, including the City of Fairfield, Fairfield VFD, FISD maintenance and administration, HAZMAT out of Waco, TASB environmental, and plumbing contractors.
According to Fairfield ISD Superintendent Dr. Jason Adams, there was an unknown substance in the drain system, of unknown origin.
“The water was initially tested on site by HAZMAT officials on Wednesday,” said Dr. Adams. He explained that the test indicated a solvent, but did not indicate toxicity.
According to Dr. Adams, additional samples were taken by the City and HAZMAT to be lab tested. “We are still awaiting those results,” he said.
The drainage system at the Elementary campus has been repetitively flushed by officials and the City, according to the superintendent.
Environmental crews were on site Monday to continue monitoring, as Pre-K and Kindergarten students were allowed to return to school.
