High School In Fairfield County Stays Closed After Contractor Makes Error

Students at a Fairfield County high school will be staying home again following a contractor’s error that led to oil being poured into the water supply.

Joel Barlow High School
Photo Credit: *Daily Voice*

Zak Failla

11/05/2021 10:30 a.m.

Joel Barlow High School in Redding will remain closed after the contractor accidentally poured approximately 20 gallons of fuel oil into the school’s 20,000-gallon water storage tank.

Easton-Redding Regional 9 School District Schools Superintendent Jason McKinnon announced that the school would be closed on Friday, Nov. 5 as crews work to clean up the water tanks in an effort to get students back to class as soon as possible.

Most after-school activities at the school have also been canceled.

In a letter to parents, McKinnon said that kitchen staff at the high school reported the smell of gas on Wednesday, Nov. 3, prompting a precautionary early dismissal, and canceled classes on Thursday, Nov. 4.

Updates from the district are expected as clean-up efforts continue.

This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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