06/25/2026
PCB contamination is an issue affecting a number of older school buildings across Vermont.
After elevated PCB levels were discovered at Burlington High School in 2020, the state began requiring testing in schools built or renovated prior to 1980. As testing has continued, more than 15 Vermont schools have been identified with elevated PCB levels in building materials or indoor air.
At NCUHS, PCB contamination is associated with fire caulking used around windows and ductwork prior to 1980. Over time, contamination has spread to ventilation systems.
We have needed to limit the use of some educational spaces with identified and remediated PCBs. Reuse of the buildings would tie the school district to annual testing costs in perpetuity.
Learn more about this issue and other facility needs at NCUHS and NCCC by visiting https://www.northcountryfuture.org