MoB faced with oil contamination lawsuit

“The Municipality promised me a clean bill of health and then we found that afterwards,” said Ken Anthony, gesturing towards land that he says contains a “motherlode” of old oil that will take at least half a million to remove.

Anthony is developing the property, formerly the site of the old Barrington High school, into an apartment and strip mall complex.

He found two other oil-contaminated spots on the property as well.

The Municipality of Barrington owns the property but it has been used for educational purposes for many years. In June 2006, the Tri-County School Board returned it to the MoB.

Anthony says the cost for the clean up has been substantial, in excess of $140,000 to date with estimates of $600,000 for completion. The discovery has significantly changed the plans and time line for the commercial aspect of his development.

“My preference would be to sue Tri-County Regional School Board directly, but as per the provisions of the Environmental Act, I have to go after the body I purchased the property from and they in turn would have to pursue on their end if so choose. I must say, the Municipality has been exemplary in this matter, the school board, however, has not been as cooperative,” said Anthony.

Warden Louise Halliday could not comment on the matter, as all litigation is discussed in closed council sessions.