School grounds tested for contamination.

Byline: Shirley Dang

Oct. 28--SAN PABLO -- The Department of Toxic Substances Control has recommended testing Helms Middle School for health hazards after reports showed gasoline in the groundwater and soil.

"It's kind of like an underground river running through the site," said Tom Booze, department toxicologist.

The contamination may not pose an immediate health risk, Booze said. Initial tests indicate vapors about 25 feet below the soil surface, according to a report by RGA Environmental, Inc.

However samples were taken from adjacent fields where the new campus is supposed to be built, not near the building where 935 students come each …