2017 Bond Lead Paint Stabilization

  • Program Overview

    Lead paint remediation work

    The Office of School Modernization is currently conducting lead paint stabilization projects throughout the district. The intent of the bond is to stabilize peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking paint. In most cases, stabilization includes priming deteriorated surfaces with a heavy penetrating primer and top coating with a finished layer of paint. In some cases, more involved remediation and preparation may need to occur.

    Lead paint work is scheduled in phases

    Phase 1 Interior locations accessible to PreK-2nd Graders - Complete
    Phase one is Pre-Kindergarten through second grade classrooms to address situations where the most at-risk children (those 6 years of age and younger) are present and spend the majority of their time. That work is now complete.

    Phase 2 - Exterior locations accessible to PreK-2nd grade students

    • 55 Sites complete
    • 3 Sites remain (pending appropriate weather) 

    Phase 3  Group1 - Additional Interior locations at K-5, K-8, K-12 sites

    • 48 Sites complete
    • 6 Remain

    Phase 3  Group 2 - Interior locations at Middle School and High School sites

    • 17 Sites Complete

    Phase 4 Group 1  -  Additional exterior locations at K-5, K-8, K-12 sites

    • 29 Sites Complete

    Phase 4 Group 2  -  exterior locations at Middle School and High School sites

    • 10 Sites complete

    School exteriors painted in 2017
    The following schools had exterior lead paint containment work done in the summer of 2017; Atkinson, Astor, Hayhurst and Woodstock.

    All work is performed by EPA certified painters
    All painting work and associated maintenance will be completed by EPA certified Renovate, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certified workers. Work is currently ongoing, being completed by PPS staff operating on swing shifts. Additional resources including contracted painters will be utilized to complete paint stabilization projects.

     

  • LEAD PAINT BAC PROJECT STATUS REPORTS
    BAC Health & Safety: Lead Paint Project Status November 2023

    For more information about lead paint remediation projects, please email schoolmodernization@pps.net

    Lead Paint Program FAQ

    What lead paint work is included in the 2017 Health & Safety Bond?
    The 2017 Health & Safety Bond includes approximately $16.6 million of funding for lead paint stabilization. This estimate and the scope of work is based on certified Lead Risk Assessor investigations that have been completed for all PPS sites.

    What is lead paint stabilization?
    If paint or coatings contain lead and are in deteriorated condition they can create an exposure through the breathing of dust or ingestion of dust or paint chips. Stabilizing paint means ensuring that coatings are well adhered and not chipping, cracking, or peeling.

    What does “deteriorated” mean?
    “Deteriorated paint" means any interior or exterior paint or other coating that is peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking, or any paint or coating located on an interior or exterior surface or fixture that is otherwise damaged or separated from the substrate.” (EPA 745 Subpart D)

    Is all lead paint being removed from PPS schools?
    No. Complete removal of lead containing paint (lead abatement) is not economically feasible. In many cases lead containing paint may be present under many layers of non-lead paint that is in sound condition and is not a hazard when intact and in good condition.

    Who did the assessment? Are they certified?
    A third-party consultant, PBS Engineering and Environmental completed assessments of all school using the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing.  All assessments were completed by Oregon Health Authority certified Lead Risk Assessors/Inspectors.

     Why was there no testing included as part of the assessment?
    HUD and EPA recognize the approach of assuming pre-1978 constructed buildings are likely to contain lead-based paint. The average age of PPS buildings is 77 years old. Almost all PPS sites were constructed before 1978 so the safest approach to assume lead paint exists.

     In addition, past testing or surveys completed by PPS as well as extensive historical sampling associated with construction or maintenance projects has identified many surfaces and locations do in fact contain some level of lead in layers of paint or coatings.

    When will my school be painted?
    Phase I of the work plan is focusing on locations where Pre-kindergarten through second grade students are present on the interior of buildings. Additional work in each building will occur once all Phase I locations have been addressed. This work is currently ongoing. All work is done on down days or during swing shifts to create as little disturbance as possible. For an update on painting schedules it is best to contact the Office of School Modernization.

    Why are painting crews going to school multiple times? Wouldn’t it be more efficient to paint a whole school at one time?|
    While there is some efficiency in painting an entire school at one time, the intent of the Bond is to address the hazard presented by deteriorating paint. The decision was made to prioritize locations where the youngest children are present first as these locations present the greatest hazard to the most at-risk population.

    Unfortunately, the funds allocated for lead paint work in the Health and Safety Bond in not sufficient to paint full interiors and exteriors of schools . The intent of the lead paint program work is to mitigate identified lead paint hazards within a school, and not paint entire schools.