Student Senate Passes Resolution Demanding Peer Review Testing of Key Locales in Dormitories

On April 24, 2007, the SUNY New Paltz Student Senate unanimously passed a resolution demanding that the school's administration participate in a split-sample testing scenario with the Student Association.

43rd Student Senate Resolution 42
43rd Student Senate

2nd Session

S.Res.42.1
Demanding Split Sample PCB testing in New Paltz Dormitories IN THE SENATE OF SUNY NEW PALTZ
4/24/2007

A Resolution By Ms. JORDAN (for herself and Mr. HOLMES),

WHEREAS on December 29, 1991, a driver lost control of her car and hit a utility pole in New Paltz, producing an electrical surge and explosions on the SUNY New Paltz campus.

WHEREAS electrical transformers exploded and spread PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) and Dioxins in several locations on campus, including Capen Hall, Scudder Hall, Gage Hall, Bliss Hall, the Coykendall Science building and Parker Theatre.

WHEREAS following the explosions there was a cleanup in the affected buildings after which two types of testing occurred to determine the extent of toxic contamination - wipe samples and air sampling analyses. The tests were conducted by a contracted environmental remediation firm hired by SUNY New Paltz, in conjunction with the Ulster County and New York State Departments of Health.

WHEREAS comprehensive testing of ventilation systems, heating units and electrical conduits has not occured.

WHEREAS The Senate understands that scientific consensus is that exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Dioxins can result in Cancer, suppressed immunity, damage to the hormonal system and birth mutation.

THEREFORE, be it resolved,

That the Student Senate demand that the SUNY administration at New Paltz willingly participate in comprehensive split-sample PCB and Dioxin testing of ventilation systems, heating units and electrical conduits in the four dormitories in question (Capen, Gage, Bliss & Scudder). Split-sampling will consist of simultaneous sampling by two separate New York State certified laboratories, one chosen by the SUNY Administration at New Paltz and the other by the President of the Student Association.