Problems with the geothermal projects at three Lawrence County School were heavily discussed at the School Board meeting on Thursday evening.
After Summertown went most of the week without sufficient heating, the problems seem to be solved. The repairs to the loop system should begin by January, and will last until spring.
The other two schools in question that were installed the same as Summertown were also found to have problems. Lawrenceburg Public was found to have problems and will have to be replaced. South Lawrence needs about half of the loop system replaced.
Bart Phillips, with Geothermal Energy Solutions–the installation company–blamed rains that made the tubing ?float up? closer to the surface. When questioned by School Board Member David Kilburn about measuring during installation, Phillips replied that they measured with ?shovel handles and sticks? and they were correct and it was verified by inspectors.
Geothermal Energy Solutions acknowledges that they are responsible for the errors, and are making all of the repairs without further cost to the School Board.