Operations and Maintenance
Operations and Maintenance Mission Statement
To provide a clean, safe and healthy learning environment for all faculty, staff, and students and maintain the highest facility and grounds maintenance standards, while addressing all the needs of the school district and its community with an enthusiastic attitude and pride that surpasses expectations.
Fire Safety Reports
The Fire Safety Reports, as of September 2016, have been completed. Review of reports can be obtained by contacting Mr. John Baxter by email or phone 914-273-4084 ext. 6910.
Lead Testing
Lead Testing in Water 2020
Lead in Water Remedial Action Plan
Lead Testing in Water Coman Hill Elementary School 2024
Lead Testing in Water Wampus Elementary School 2024
Lead Testing in Water H.C. Crittenden Middle School 2024
Lead Testing in Water Coman Hill Elementary 2016
Lead Testing in Water Wampus Elementary 2016
Lead Testing in Water H.C. Crittenden Middle School 2016
Lead Testing in Water Byram Hills High School 2016
Stormwater Management Program
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
PFOA MCL Exceedance at Byram Hills High School, 3rd QTR - 2025
Why are you receiving this notice/information?
You are receiving this notice because testing of our public water system found the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in your drinking water at 11.6 parts per trillion (ppt). This is above New York State’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 ppt for PFOA in public drinking water systems. Consuming drinking water with PFOA at or somewhat above the MCL does not pose a significant short term health risk. Your water continues to be acceptable for all uses. The Byram Hills High School is working on a strict timetable to reduce levels below the MCL.
We will inform you when actions have been taken to reduce the contamination and the Department of Health determines that the water is acceptable for all uses. Currently, bottled water is being provided.
What are the health effects of PFOA?
The available information on the health effects associated with PFOA, like many chemicals, comes mostly from studies of high-level exposure in animals. Less is known about the chances of health effects occurring from lower levels of exposure, such as those that might occur in drinking water. As a result, finding lower levels of chemicals in drinking water prompts water suppliers and regulators to take precautions that include notifying consumers and steps to reduce exposure.
PFOA has caused a wide range of health effects when studied in animals that were exposed to high levels. The most consistent findings in animals were effects on the liver and immune system and impaired fetal growth and development. PFOA also causes cancer in laboratory animals exposed to high levels over their lifetimes. Additional studies of exposures of PFOA in people provide evidence that some of the health effects seen in animals may also occur in humans.
What is New York State doing about PFOA in public drinking water?
The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) has adopted a drinking water regulation that requires all public water systems to test for PFOA. If found above the MCL of 10 ppt, the water supplier must take steps to lower the level to meet the standard. Exceedances of the MCL signal that steps should be taken by the water system to reduce contaminant levels.
What is being done to meet the MCL?
Byram Hills High School is working with the Westchester County Health Department (WCDH) on a compliance schedule that includes steps to reduce levels of PFOA. Plans have been approved by the Westchester County Department of Health on 10/15/2024. Equipment has been ordered, the contractor will begin construction once the material has been received. The estimated completion date is December 19th.
Phase two of the project related to PFAS will be determined after completion of Phase one (the chlorination system). Bottled water is being provided, but due to other treatment deficiencies in the drinking water. Additional information will be shared as further testing and progress occurs. This process is similar for any chemical detected in public drinking water that requires mitigation due to exceedance of an MCL. The compliance timetable will ensure that your drinking water will meet the MCL as rapidly as possible.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, please contact Kelly Seibert. You can also contact the Westchester County Health Department at 914-813-5000.
If you have additional questions about these contaminants and your health, talk to your health care provider who is most familiar with your health history and can provide advice and assistance about understanding how drinking water may affect your personal health.
General information about New York State public drinking water is also available at www.health.ny.gov/publicwater.