We recently shared information directly with families and staff at Cambridge-Isanti Schools about environmental testing that will take place at the CPIS Complex in October. This information is now available to our broader community to help ensure everyone has access to the same information.
We know that hearing about environmental testing at a school can naturally raise questions and concerns. As we navigate this process, we want to reassure you that our schools remain safe for students and staff to attend.
What We Know Today
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is overseeing a widespread environmental assessment related to a former dry cleaner located southeast of the CPIS Complex. As part of that work, MPCA tested soil vapor near the southeast side of Cambridge Intermediate School and detected PCE, a solvent historically used in dry cleaning and other commercial and industrial applications, and that can also be found in some adhesives, paint and stain removers, and cleaning products. The testing completed so far has been outside the school buildings.
MPCA and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have not recommended any changes to school operations. They have advised that the soil vapor results found near the school do not indicate an urgent or immediate health concern. Students and staff can continue learning, working and participating in activities throughout the CPIS Complex as normal.
Because PCE was detected near the schools, MPCA has requested additional testing occur within the building. This testing will help MPCA, MDH, the district and our environmental partners determine whether any further action is needed.
When Testing Will Occur
Testing is scheduled for MEA Break, with a second testing period anticipated in early winter. During these testing periods, environmental professionals will collect samples from beneath the building and from the indoor air at CPIS.
Because parts of the testing process may be noisy or disruptive, the work is being scheduled during times when students are not in the building whenever possible. This allows the environmental professionals to complete their work while minimizing disruption to students, staff and school activities.
Testing at more than one point in time is a normal part of this type of environmental assessment. Conditions beneath and inside building can change with weather, heating and ventilation, and other seasonal factors, so collecting samples during different conditions provides a more complete picture of what is happening over time.
The second testing period is part of the planned assessment process. It does not mean that something went wrong with the first round or that conditions are believed to be getting worse. Instead, the two testing periods allow MPCA, MDH and the district to compare results and determine whether conditions are consistent or whether any additional steps are needed.
Proactive Building Improvements
Out of an abundance of caution, we are taking steps to seal some older openings and spaces in lower-level areas of the buildings that could potentially provide pathways for soil vapor.
We are choosing to complete this work now as an additional proactive measure. This work complements—not replaces—the testing being conducted with MPCA and MDH and reflects our commitment to going above and beyond where we can to support the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
What Happens Next
Results are expected within 10–14 business days after testing is complete, which is the week of November 2. MPCA, MDH, environmental agency partners, and the district will review the results together so we can understand what they mean and determine whether any additional testing, building improvements, mitigation or other steps are recommended.
We know staff and families will want information as soon as possible. Our goal is to share results promptly after that review, while also making sure the information is explained accurately and in context.
Find Answers to Your Questions
We recognize that a short communication cannot answer every question families or staff may have. We have developed a comprehensive CPIS Environmental Testing FAQ with additional information about:
what PCE is and where it has been detected;
health and safety information;
indoor air and building testing;
Minnesota’s health-protective screening values;
outdoor areas and drinking water;
what happens after testing and what mitigation means; and
the roles of MPCA, MDH, the district and our environmental agency partners.
View the CPIS Environmental Testing FAQ here.
We encourage families and staff to use this resource, and we will continue updating it as new information becomes available.
We Are Here to Talk With You
We also want you to know that you can reach us directly. If you have questions, concerns or would like to talk with a district leader, please contact us at 763-689-6188 or dist-communications@c-ischools.org. We will follow up and make time to talk through your questions.
For individual health questions, the Minnesota Department of Health Site Assessment and Consultation Unit is available at 651-201-4897 or health.hazard@state.mn.us.
For information related to site assessment and environmental testing, contact the MPCA Project Manager, Abbie Bowman at 218-302-6679 or Abbie.bowman@state.mn.us.
We know you trust us with the well-being of your children and with the places where our students and staff spend their days. We take that responsibility seriously. At Cambridge-Isanti Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities.
We will continue working closely with MPCA, MDH and environmental professionals, communicating openly about what we know and what we learn, and taking appropriate action based on the results.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust and your continued support of Cambridge-Isanti Schools,
Dr. Nate Rudolph
Superintendent
Cambridge-Isanti Schools