September 2nd, 2005

An investigation has been launched after it was discovered that Antlers School District may have violated asbestos regulations by allowing shingles that could contain asbestos to be buried on school property. It has been alleged that the county commission allowed the burial of the shingles on school grounds.

The discovery was made when residents of the area stepped forward after the school district decided to build a new practice field. Two residents that worked for the commissioner’s office stated that they were directed to bury hundreds of the shingles that may contain asbestos. They were told to bury them next to the student parking lot. However, school officials have denied knowledge of this claim.

The county commissioner has confirmed that he is aware of shingles being buried but states that he is not sure whether or not they contain asbestos.

Investigators from the Department of Environmental Quality have been sent out to test the area and the investigation is ongoing. It has been confirmed that the practice area will remain unused until the completion of the investigation.