Coal ash on SBMS field a priority for school officials

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County School leaders are moving forward with the process of making South Brunswick Middle School’s athletics field safer, after coal ash was used to elevate the field years ago.

Craig Eckert, director of capital projects and planning for the school system, said the field is off limits after soil tests came back showing high levels of dangerous metals, due to the coal ash. He said back in 1992 coal ash was used to fill in the field. At the time he said people did not think it would cause problems, but it has.

Eckert said the school system is presenting a plan to the state, to layer more soil and sod on the field and do some irrigation work.

“Our number one item is to ensure the safety of students and staff. And also we abide by the State’s rules and requirements and regulations on everything we do,” said Eckert.

Justin Garza, South Brunswick Middle School’s athletic director, said it’s the third season their athletes have been off their home athletics field because of coal ash. He said right now the available field at the school is too small so they have to have games and practices off campus.

“I think athletes experience the same hardships as our coaches do, I think that they get a little frustrated as well, not being able to demonstrate what they can do on the field in front of their teachers and their peers,” said Garza.

Garza said he is hoping after that work is done, they’ll be able to return to the presently barren field.

“It would really bring back some school pride, a lot of our students are unable to see their teams participate in athletics, and it would really alleviate a lot of the hardships having to travel on buses for practice or games.”

School officials tell WWAY after they submit their plan to the State, state officials will review it and then they will have 60 days to begin the work on the fields. School officials said they hope to get the kids back out there by next spring.