Crews work to collect oil believed to be in the ground below Hebron Station School

ABOVE, BELOW— Even as students return to classes, in a concrete bunker below Hebron Station School’s gymnasium, Maine DEP officials work with subcontractors to pump oil residing beneath the school’s foundation. Crushed rock is being poured into testing holes bored to look for the oil, which Hazardous Materials Responder Sheryl Bernard says has been difficult to remove. Bernard, working on-site since the end of December, says it’s impossible to estimate a removal time-line because the situation at the school changes daily.

PRECAUTION— This water filtration system installed last week at the Hebron Station School ensures the school’s well water poses no threat to students and staff. Mike Abbott, a hydrogeologist for the Maine Drinking Water Program, said tests taken Jan. 6 showed that there was no presence of oil in the water. The filtration system is in place to prevent potential contaminants from reaching the individual as the situation could change in the long-term, according to Abbott.