Dear Pleasant View Elementary Families,

Earlier this week, Godley ISD was contacted by a reporter investigating historical oil and gas waste disposal practices in North Texas. The reporter shared information that land-application of drilling waste occurred several years ago on property that is now part of the Silo Mills development, and that this may have included the site where Pleasant View Elementary was later constructed.

We want you to hear this information directly from us so that you have clear and accurate information.

In 2020, prior to construction, the developer conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the land. The third-party assessment concluded that no evidence of recognized environmental conditions (RECs) was identified in connection with the site and that no further action was required.

The developer donated the land for the elementary school, which is a common practice for new residential subdivisions seeking to establish a neighborhood campus. Construction was completed in late 2022, and students and staff began occupying the campus in January 2023.

Following the reporter’s inquiry, we have been in contact with an environmental investigator from the county constable’s office who conducted a preliminary review and testing in the area. That review indicated no findings of a safety concern at Pleasant View Elementary. The investigator advised that additional analysis by the Texas Railroad Commission — the state agency that regulates oil and gas — is expected.

Based on the information available to us at this time, there is no indication that the campus poses a health or safety risk. Although school operations will continue as normal, we take this very seriously and will remain attentive to any new information provided by state or local authorities.

We understand that information of this nature can be concerning. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We will continue to collaborate with appropriate authorities and will share additional information with families as we receive it.

For those who wish to review the reporter’s finished article published on Wednesday, it is available here:
https://www.texasobserver.org/radioactive-oil-and-gas-waste-north-texas-elementary-school/

The 2020 Environmental Site Assessment is available at this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-IpHpTi03wChWJuEAIeA60oSV-umL7s/view?usp=drive_link

Sincerely,
Dr. Rich Dear
Superintendent