NNCSWill Dig Up Fuel Tanks

NORFOLK - Norwood-Norfolk Central School officials have opted to remove two underground fuel tanks near the district's bus garage and install above ground tanks rather than wait to see if they'll receive a shared services grant that would allow them to build a new fuel storage facility and salt storage shed.

School board members accepted a $299,200 bid from Perras Excavating Tuesday night to perform the work.

Allen W. Rowledge, the district's transportation director, suggested it was better to act now to avoid any potential contamination issues rather than wait to see if they would receive grant funding for a joint venture between the district, the village of Norwood, the St. Lawrence County Highway Department, the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority and the state's Department of Transportation.

"We have an approved project and the money to do it. That would lessen the environmental impact if there was a leak," he said.

The proposed fuel facility and storage shed would be situated on a landlocked piece of property owned by the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority near the Norwood-Norfolk Central School.

The district's grant application has been unsuccessful two times so far, according to Mr. Rowledge.

"Either three times is a charm or three strikes and you're out," he said.

Mr. Rowledge said they already had an approved project to remove and replace the fuel tanks and had solicited and received bids. He suggested they move forward in that direction rather than risk losing the project because of a delay in waiting to find out if their grant was approved.

Otherwise, he said, they would have to acquire the land from the OBPA, a process that could take time, and then would have to study the impact of the tanks both above and below ground.

"I'd certainly hate to lose this option we have," he said.

Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Larry J. Burnah said one 10,000-gallon underground fuel tank was installed in 1984 and has a 30-year life expectancy. The life expectancy of the other tank that was installed in 1992, he said, is "somewhat less than that."

"Even if we gave it 20 years we're on the bubble," Mr. Burnah said.

Keeping the tanks in the ground means additional work for Mr. Burnah and Mr. Rowledge to ensure they're not leaking and contaminating the soil, according to Business Manager Nicole M. Ashley.

"Every day Allen or Bill has to out and take readings," she told school board members.

Superintendent Elizabeth A. Kirnie also recommended performing the work now rather than later.

"The good news is we already have a low bidder ready to go. Recognizing the timeline... let's move ahead with what we have," she said.