Thurso High School - Heating Oil Leak Update 14 September

14th September 2023

A Highland Council spokesperson said: "The Thurso High School heating oil leak investigation work continues to identify the cause and the extent of the leak. This involves considerable site analysis to enable us to know the extent of the contamination and will inform the scale of the site clean-up. The timescale for investigation works is expected to take up to two weeks.

“Specialist contractors are currently managing oil saturation devices (known as ‘socks') that have been put in place in various locations to absorb the heating oil. The area under the Games Hall may require boreholes created to test the soil underneath the concrete slab, the same boreholes may be used to add chemicals to neutralise the oil (if found to be present). To avoid further disruption to pupils and staff, remedial works may require to be undertaken week commencing 9 - 20 October when the school is vacant for the October holidays. However, if investigation analysis reveals minimal oil contamination under the Games Hall floor, then Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) monitoring, additional ventilation and a risk assessment could potentially allow the use of the Games Hall to be permitted at an earlier date.

“A meeting will be held later this week with SEPA and Scottish Water to discuss and agree next steps.

“Unfortunately, it is likely that there may be some slippage to the construction works because of the leak, however results from ground investigation works will better determine our next steps."

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “All actions are being taken to minimise the impact to the environment and to ensure the health and safety of pupils and those using the site.

“We would like to thank the pupils and staff for their patience and understanding as we work to remedy the issue as soon as possible.”