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City of Franklin to conduct additional testing following the closure of two nearby schools

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Posted at 6:20 PM, Mar 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-21 18:20:06-04

FRANKLIN — Following the closure of two Franklin Community school buildings for contamination testing on Thursday, the Mayor of Franklin, Steve Barnett, announced that further testing would be conducted in the city of Franklin.

On Thursday two Franklin Community Schools, Needham and Webb elementary, had an e-learning day while tests were conducted for contaminants in the air.

MORE | Two Franklin Community Schools closed Thursday for environmental concerns |

EnviroForensics, an Indianapolis-based firm, conducted the tests at the two school buildings and will perform the criteria in the city on Friday. The environmental engineering, consulting and remediation design firm will do a focused study of vapors in the sewer backfill and pipes city right-of-way, west of Eastview Drive, and further in the vicinity of the schools.

The study will evaluate whether gases and vapors present in the sewer utility holes and if sewer bedding material exhibit elevated levels of volatile organic compounds.

According to a release by the City of Franklin:

"Mayor Barnett supports the actions taken by the school system and encourages additional testing. The safety of Franklin citizens remains a top priority."

Completion of the testing is anticipated for the week of March 25. Results of the tests are said to be released once they are available.