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State Conducting Tests on Buildings it Leases for State Offices in St. Johnsbury

Date

For Immediate Release
Thursday, March 30, 2017

STATE CONDUCTING TESTS ON BUILDINGS IT LEASES FOR STATE OFFICES IN ST. JOHNSBURY

Employees Temporarily Relocated While Testing Conducted

Montpelier, Vt. – Agency of Administration Secretary Susanne Young, Agency of Human Services Secretary Al Gobeille and Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore today issued the following statement:

“Today, we were made aware of the presence of chemicals typically associated with dry cleaning under the foundation of buildings located at 67/72 Eastern Avenue in St. Johnsbury, which the Vermont Agency of Human Services leases for office space. Some of the chemicals identified may pose a potential risk to human health, however, indoor air quality has not yet been sampled to determine if a risk currently exists.

“We informed employees and the Vermont State Employees Association this afternoon, and have directed the Commissioner of Building and General Services to relocate State employees to alternate work locations until the testing is completed. Air quality testing will be conducted and begin tomorrow. A forum will be held for employees on Tuesday, April 4, which is when the State expects to have preliminary test results back.

“In the interim, mission critical employees will be relocated by Friday, March 31, so there will not be a disruption to essential services, and other employees will be notified as soon as alternate locations have been identified.

“We will continue to update employees and the public with additional information as it becomes available.”

FAQ: Testing of State Offices in St. Johnsbury (pdf)

Reduced Workforce Time Reporting Guidelines (pdf)

Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Report (pdf)

Sub-Slab Depressurization Systems Fact Sheet (pdf)

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

Inquiries about health issues: 
Vermont Department of Health: 1-800-439-8550

Inquiries about the chemicals:  
Department of Environmental Conservation, Trish Coppolino: 802-249-5822

Current employees inquiring about payroll issues, other administrative issues:
Department of Human Resources: 802-828-3491