• 2023-2024 School Year Environmental, Health & Safety Notices

    NRHEG Schools continues to address environmental, health & safety (EHS) issues in a proactive manner.  NRHEG Schools works with the Institute for Environmental Assessment (IEA) to provide safe and healthy environments for our community’s youth and employees.

     

    Health, Safety, and Nutrition

    NRHEG Schools continues to address environmental, health & safety (EHS) issues in a proactive manner.  NRHEG Schools works with the Institute for Environmental Assessment (IEA) to provide safe and healthy environments for our community’s youth and employees.

     

    Asbestos--Each year, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires NRHEG Schools to provide an update on asbestos activities to building occupants.

     

    Asbestos is a mineral fiber associated with increased levels of disease when inhaled.  Properly maintained, asbestos containing materials pose no health hazard to building occupants.  Asbestos is only dangerous when it is broken loose from building materials into fine, dust like fibers and inhaled.

     

    Our asbestos management plan has been implemented as of July 9, 1989.  Since that time, NRHEG Schools completes various activities to control asbestos hazards within the facilities.  Periodic surveillances are conducted every six months to check for damage to the asbestos containing materials.  Specially trained contractors repair damages identified.  In addition to periodic surveillances, the buildings are re-inspected every three years.  The purpose of the re-inspection is to have a federally certified asbestos inspector reassess the condition of the material.  The most recent re-inspection was conducted April 2022, the next one is scheduled for Spring 2025.

     

    The asbestos management plan is maintained in the district office and in the administrative offices of each building.  It is available for review during school office hours.

     

    Short-term workers (outside contractors, telephone repair workers, electricians, exterminators, etc.) shall be provided information regarding the location of asbestos in which they may come into contact.  All short-term workers shall contact the Buildings and Ground Supervisor before commencing work to be given this information.

     

    Indoor Air Quality--NRHEG Schools has developed a district-wide indoor air quality (IAQ) program designed to help ensure that the school provides a safe environment for students and staff.  Each school in the district will be evaluated on an annual basis for potential indoor air quality problems.

     

    The evaluation will include several steps.  Ventilation systems will be examined to make sure they are functioning properly and providing adequate fresh air.  Visual inspections will be conducted to determine the potential for mold growth.  Cleaning practices will be reviewed to ensure that cleanliness is maintained and that the cleaning supplies used are safe yet effective.  A portion of staff members will be interviewed annually regarding indoor air quality issues.  If problems are found, they will be addressed appropriately.

     

    Additional information about the NRHEG Schools IAQ program can be obtained by contacting Scott Schuller, Building & Grounds Director (507) 417-2653.

     

    Pest Control Materials--NRHEG Schools uses Ecolab, a licensed professional pest control service firm, for the prevention and control of rodents, insects, and other pests in and around the district’s buildings.  The program consists of:

    1. Inspection and monitoring to determine whether pests are present and whether any treatment is needed.
    2. Recommendations for maintenance and sanitation to help eliminate pests without the need for pest control measures.
    3. Utilization of non-chemical measures such as traps, caulking, and screening.
    4. Application of EPA-registered pest control materials when needed.

     

    Pests can sting, bite, cause contamination, damage property, and spread disease; therefore, we must prevent and control them.  The long-term health effects on children from the application of such pest control materials, or the class of materials to which they belong, may not be fully understood.  All pest control materials are chosen and applied by a licensed, professional pest control service.

     

    Along with pest control measures, NRHEG Schools applies herbicides and fertilizers to our grounds to control weeds and improve the quality of our grass. 

     

    Parents of students may request to receive prior notification of any application of a pest control material or herbicide.  Any expenses associated with prior notification may be charged to the requesting parent. 

     

    Drinking Water Testing--NRHEG School District conducts testing in accordance with The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act and the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.335.  This is conducted every five years.  Any person interested in discussing the district Lead in Drinking Water program or results, please contact the district office for access to the documentation.

     

    Radon Testing--NRHEG School District conducts radon testing according to Minnesota Department of Health “Radon Testing Plan” (Minnesota Statute 123B.571).  This is conducted every five years. Any person interested in discussing the district Radon Testing program or results, please contact the district office for access to the documentation.

     

    If you have any questions, please contact Scott Schuller, Building & Grounds Director (507) 417-2653.