Toxins found near homes by Saunders Park
In another blow to the area around Saunders Park, eight out of the nine residences that were tested had high levels of arsenic just like the closed park did and two of those properties also had high levels of lead and mercury. The people in the area have long been crying out about the potential problem because of how close the fertilizer plant had been to the area. Currently the recommendation is to not directly touch or come into contact with the soil that has been contaminated, the Dispatch reported. Columbus Public Health is set to decide if or what future measures should be taken.
Previously October 20, 2014
More money needed for toxic park clean up
The city is going to need about $309,000 to clean up Saunders Park where high levels of arsenic have been detected. The extra money will go toward hiring engineers to create a way for the new soil to drain, the Dispatch reported. The park is set to reopen in 2016 after a heft $1.2 million plan to add new soil and clean fill.
Previously September 18, 2014
Turns out, the toxic park hasn’t hurt anyone yet
Saunders Park has been under a bit of debate because of high levels of arsenic that have been found there. A health survey though has shown that local residents haven’t been harmed, or at least not yet. Thus far in the ongoing issues with the park, locals haven’t experienced any symptoms that would be consistent with arsenic poisoning. The city has also decided for the $1.2 million cleanup option to fix the park and rid it of the chemicals. That plan should begin in the winter pending City Council approving the contract for the cleanup.
Previously August 15, 2014
Four options for cleaning toxic park
Saunders Park has been presented with four options for cleaning up the areas with high levels of arsenic. The prices for the different options span $1 million to $7.5 million and most would include digging up 2 to 6 feet of soil, according to the Dispatch. Friday morning City Recreation and Parks Director Alan McKnight said a decision would be made by next month and the nine acres currently closed should be opened by 2016, the paper reported.
Previously July 2, 2014
Toxic park closed by city — finally
“Park Closed” reads across the sign at Saunders Park on the East Side. Mayor Coleman has order a health survey of the park that apparently have toxins in the soil the Dispatch reported, soil that children played soccer on and was surrounded by residential homes. Officials knew back in 2011 that the park had high levels of arsenic, lead and other toxins, according to the paper’s report. Following the mayor’s order, nine acres of the park have been closed off.
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