By Andra Bryan Stefanoni
news@joplinglobe.com
PITTSBURG, Kan. — A lead-cleanup project in Pittsburg is being described by all government agencies involved as no cause for alarm.
As far as lead contamination projects go, officials with the Environmental Protection Agency, the city, and the Crawford County Health Department described the Pittsburg project as one that will be speedy and efficient, and that has netted no serious health issues in people who have been tested.
Relatively few property owners attended an informational meeting Thursday night at Schlanger Community Center.
Janice Goedeke, Crawford County Health Department, said that blood test results for people living in the first identified area have shown no cause for concern. Almost 300 children and a few adults have been tested for lead poisoning after the EPA identified an area of “hot spots” within 500 feet of the former Pittsburg Zinc Co. smelter between Locust and Tucker streets and Fifth and Kansas streets.
The smelter closed more than 100 years ago, but officials suspected that possible lead contamination remained, which prompted testing that began in March. Contaminated soil at 30 of the 166 tested properties will be removed starting Oct. 26.
Goedeke said that of the people who were tested, three had elevated lead levels; one had just moved to the area, and two who were re-tested had no further indication of an elevated level.
“Lead is not a concern, nor really has it ever been, here in Crawford County like it has been in Cherokee County,” Goedeke said.
But that’s not to say officials aren’t taking precautions.
Todd Campbell, the project coordinator for the EPA, said that the focus of the project is precautionary. He said the work is aimed at making sure that residential yards do not pose a risk to young children. Young children are said to be the most susceptible to lead contamination because they often come in contact with soil during outdoor play.
Further testing
On Nov. 9 and 16, the county health department will offer blood tests for those who live in some 200 or so properties that officials will begin soil testing in a few weeks as part of Phase 2. Those property owners will be notified by Monday that they are within the Phase 2 area and given the opportunity to consent to testing and cleanup by Nov. 3, according to John Bailey, director of public utilities.
