Asbestos Management Plan
As required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, DCMO BOCES maintains asbestos management plans for district buildings. The plans are kept collectively and available for viewing during normal business hours at the office of LEA Designee Thomas Fargo. The next three-year re-inspection is required to be performed by July 10, 2025. At this time, there is no known asbestos in our facilities. Currently, there are no projects scheduled that will disturb asbestos-containing building material. For more information, contact LEA Designee Tom Fargo.
Pesticides
New York State Education Law Section 409-h and State Education Department Commissioner’s Regulation 155.24 requires all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to provide written notification to all persons in parental relation, faculty and staff regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the school year. DCMO BOCES is required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications. Sign up to receive 48-hour prior notification of pesticide application using the link below.
DCMO BOCES does not use any pesticide products in its buildings or grounds, other than those noted as exempt under 40 CFR 152.25. As such, we are not required to provide follow-up written notification (48-hour or fall, spring, end of year and end of summer school). However, if an emergency application of a non-exempt product is necessary, we will make a good faith effort to notify all persons in parental relation and staff in writing prior to the emergency application. Emergency applications also require notification to the New York State Department of Health. See the School Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law information linked below for more information.
Water Testing In New York State Schools
Beginning in 2016, New York state law has required all school districts (including BOCES) to test all water outlets used for drinking or cooking for lead. School districts were required to complete a new round of lead testing in 2020.
The state established an action level of 15 micro grams of lead per liter, typically referred to as “parts per billion (ppb). In 2023, the action level was lowered to 5 ppb. If a sample from a water outlet exceeds this level, schools must:
Take immediate steps to prohibit the use of the outlet for drinking or
cooking purposes;Communicate results;
Implement a remediation plan;
Ensure that students and staff have an adequate supply of water for drinking
and cooking in the meantime.
School districts are required to report the results of all water testing to the State Department of Health, the State Education Department and the local health department, and to post the results along with remediation plans, if required on the official district website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lead Testing In Schools
Why are school districts testing for lead?
New York adopted these water testing regulations to help ensure that children are protected from lead exposure while in school. According to the state Department of Health, lead is a common metal found in the environment, but it is also a toxic material that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Although the primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint, exposure can also come from drinking water as a result of the lead content of plumbing materials and source water. While federal law now restricts the amount of lead used in new plumbing materials, the corrosion of older plumbing and fixtures in many buildings can cause lead to enter drinking water.
Where will districts test for lead?
School districts must collect samples to be tested from every possible source of water used for drinking and cooking in any buildings that may be occupied by students. These outlets include, but may not be limited to, drinking fountains (both bubbler and water-cooler types), kitchen sinks, classroom combination sinks/drinking fountains, student restroom sinks and nurse’s office sinks. To comply with the regulations, water samples must be collected when water has been motionless for at least 8 hours but no more than 18 hours.
How often are schools required to test for lead?
Schools will need to conduct water testing every five years, or sooner, if required by the state Commissioner of Health.
For previous years’ results, please see the Compliance Documents Archive.