MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Tutor Time of Mooresville is planning "a complete playground renovation" after a WCNC Charlotte investigation found concerning levels of the carcinogens arsenic and radium just beneath the surface of a nearby public median.
"From the onset, we have relied on environmental experts to guide our decision-making, and while these experts have reassured us that our children are not at risk, we are announcing today that we are planning a complete playground renovation, completed in coordination with the requirements set forth by the expert environmental geologists," Tutor Time of Mooresville's director wrote in an alert to parents Sunday since obtained by WCNC Charlotte. "The safety and security of our children and staff are our top priorities, as is ensuring peace of mind for our families. This commitment is the driving force behind our decision."
Duke University Distinguished Professor Dr. Avner Vengosh analyzed WCNC Charlotte's coal ash samples, collected near the day care. The renowned scientist's analysis found elevated levels of arsenic and radioactivity, among a "cocktail of toxic elements."
WCNC Charlotte's samples are not the only ones raising concerns. Earthjustice recently alerted the Environmental Protection Agency of similar results taken from the same median that also showed elevated levels of arsenic and radium. The radioactivity in the non-profit environmental law organization's samples registered an even higher radium level, according to a letter from Earthjustice.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality recently helped with a visual inspection of the day care, which Tutor Time said found no risk to children. Earthjustice and other advocates have taken issue with that conclusion.
"Despite the multiple critical shortcomings of their inspection, NCDEQ concluded that the environment at the daycare center is safe," Earthjustice attorney Lisa Evans said in an August 29 letter to the EPA. "Tutor Time consequently communicated this message to the parents it serves. This conclusion, however, is contrary to the data and to observations of coal ash on the surface of the ground in adjacent areas. Analysis of the coal ash found on the nearby median strip by Dr. Avner Vengosh at Duke University reveals elevated levels of radium and arsenic. Total radium (Ra 226 + 228) in the ash near the center measures 7.44 pCi/g, which potentially exceeds the Superfund cleanup standard, since this level is likely higher than 5.0 p/Ci/g plus the background soil radiation level. Dr. Vengosh also measured the arsenic content of the ash on the median strip and found that it contains 68.6 ppm of arsenic, which is 18.5 times the background level of arsenic in soil in North Carolina. Clearly, the state regulatory response is not adequate to protect public health and conflicts with EPA's findings concerning the danger of radiation and arsenic to human health, particularly to children. Consequently, we ask you again to provide immediate oversight, guidance, and leadership on this extremely important issue. EPA involvement in this matter is needed to ensure the protection of public health."
The organization's letter, which cited WCNC Charlotte's reporting, also noted the DEQ's failure to take samples of soil, dust or ash from the day care site during its visit.
Earthjustice previously asked the EPA to investigate the extent of coal ash contamination in the Town of Mooresville, citing a radioactive sample collected from a separate location. At the time, the EPA told WCNC Charlotte the agency was determining "a path forward for an investigation."
State records show Tutor Time is built on top of coal ash. The mixture of tiny toxic particles can become airborne and over time, expose kids to potential illnesses and cancers that can take years to surface, Vengosh told WCNC Charlotte.
Duke Energy legally sold coal ash decades ago to use as construction fill dirt. To this day, the utility insists it is not toxic.
"The proof on the ground is saying otherwise," Vengosh said. "Having [kids] chronically exposed to dust and even direct into the mouth touching soil containing coal ash could be really problematic for the health of the children."
Pictures suggest coal ash under the day care has made its way to the surface multiple times over the years; not buried deep enough, as required. Parents previously said, that until WCNC Charlotte's "Buried" investigation exposed the problem, Tutor Time never disclosed the day care was built on top of coal ash. After WCNC Charlotte pointed out what looked like exposed coal ash near the playground fence, Tutor Time hired crews to cover it, but scientists have said, the safest option would be to excavate and remove the coal ash altogether.
"The idea to leave it as is, it's not an option," Vengosh added.
When asked by WCNC Charlotte if Tutor Time intends to remove the coal ash from the property, a spokesperson said details are not yet available.
"Final plans are still being reviewed, but all playground remediation work will follow the requirements of expert geologists and meet any and all regulatory mandates from the NC DEQ, state licensing agency, and local health and sanitation departments," Joanna Cline, the learning care group chief marketing officer, said. "In addition, we will work with [the Division of Child Development and Early Education] to ensure that children have sufficient play options and will remain safe during the remediation and renovation."
Tutor Time's announcement of playground renovations comes as the day care awaits test results of its own from more than 30 samples collected from various depths within the property. When those results are back, the day care has said a toxicologist will review them.
Contact Nate Morabito at nmorabito@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.