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Former Kake Elementary School Asbestos Remediation 

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Building History 

The Kake Elementary Building was built starting in 1951 as a single story wooden structure.  Additions and renovations were completed in 1979/1980 and 1986 to expand classrooms and add a library.  The land was originally owned by the Presbyterian Church and was officially signed over to the City of Kake in 1989.  The school was the main educational institute in Kake from 1956-1996.  At that point, the new elementary building was completed up the hill from the previous building and students and staff moved.  

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Since that time there has been much discussion about removing the building, especially as it has suffered structural damage including a collapsed roof.  Environmental assessments have also found hazardous materials including asbestos, lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls. 

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The community children still use the basketball court to play in the summers and while the city has continually tried to keep the building boarded up and off limits, it is impossible to keep people out. There are too many places that are open due to walls and the ceiling collapsing and the boarded up doors are easy to pry open after fall and winter weather. 

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Current Problems  

Asbestos 

Exposure can increase risks of cancer and other diseases.  

While sitting dormant, asbestos, which was used throughout the building, isn't harmful.  However, when inhaled it can cause a number of health complications. Without proper precautions tearing down the elementary school will result in asbestos in the air and citizens being exposed to unhealthy levels.  To learn more about potential issues due to asbestos exposure and how to protect yourself please visit the following three websites:

Lead Based Paint 

Lead based paint chips and dust can cause health problems in adults and children. 

When maintained lead based paint can be relatively safe. However, once it starts to flake and deteriorate, such as in the elementary school, it poses a greater risk. The biggest potential problems are in children under six, who are more likely to put their hands and objects into their mouth and therefore have higher rates of lead poisoning. However, lead poisoning can affect all ages. Some common signs of lead poisoning are lowered IQ, behavior difficulties, headaches, high blood pressure, memory problems, muscle and joint pain. For more information please see these websites: 

Polychlorinated biphenyls

Toxic to fish and can cause liver, skin issues and dizziness in humans. 

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)  began being used in the 30s and were used until banned in 1979.  They were frequently used in insulation around electrical equipment.  The problem with them is that they do not deteriorate with time and still remain in the soil and move into the water sources. When ingested in high concentrations they are deadly to fish and invertebrates (crabs, clams etc) and in humans who eat animals with PCBs can have liver damage, skin rashes, and dizziness. For more information please visit these websites: 

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Grant 1: EPA Brownfield 

This grant is $2,000,000 and will cover the cleanup of the hazardous materials. 

Grant 2: Congressional Funding 

This grant is $3.610,000 and will cover the teardown and removal of the building materials and contaminated soil. 

Further Funding Needed

Further funding is needed to develop the site after the removal of all hazardous materials and debris. 

Contact info

PO Box 500

Kake, AK 99830

Tel: 907-785-3804

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