TDEC and EPA provide lead update in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The EPA and TDEC are studying soil that is impacted by lead-bearing foundry material.

They are currently asking for lead sampling in the southside area. And this year, more than 500 properties are in line for cleanup.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Environmental Protection Agency provided updates on the southside lead site in Chattanooga.

“We are remediating any property that has a lead concentration greater than the sites specific cleanup level of 360 parts per million lead,” said Jasmin Jeffries, Remedial Project Manager for the U.S. EPA.

A case of lead exposure illness was reported to TDEC in 2011.

Since then, more than 2,900 properties have been sampled.

“We are knocking on doors, we are sending out packets to increase awareness and to get that information out,” said Jeffries. “Our hope would be to have the project completed in about five years.”

Playgrounds and yards are sampled for lead.

According to the EPA, most of the contamination is found in the south Chattanooga area.

“Typically, a fairly thin superficial layer associated with it, which would support that analogy of lead being given out as topsoil. It resembles topsoil at this point,” said Troy Keith, Environmental Consultant for TDEC.

When lead levels are too high, health is at risk.

The EPA encourages prevention measures to protect yourself from contamination.

“Do not track the material into the house, even from gardening or just playing out in the soil. The tiny particles get stuck to your fingers, and you ingest them. So, washing hands is the big one,” Jeffries said. 

Eight residential neighborhoods that make up the sites are Alton Park, Cowart Place, East Lake, Highland Park, Jefferson Heights, Oak Grove, Southside Gardens and Richmond.