JOPLIN, Mo. —
Joplin has closed Parr Hill and Garvin parks because lead has been found in the soil as a result of tornado damage. Work is being done immediately to remove the soil in the areas identified as contaminated.
Lead and cadmium testing that is being done through the tornado zone showed the presence of the heavy metals in certain areas of the park. City officials believe it came from soil or chat under the surface of the ground that was churned up when trees were knocked over by the tornado.
“Closing the parks is a safety precaution that we feel is in the best interest of our citizens,” said City Manager Mark Rohr in a news release. “Because of the large equipment used to do this work, as well as their need to move throughout the park into the different identified areas, it is the most practical way to get this work completed.”
Soil tests of other parks in the tornado zone, Cunningham and Mohaska, showed no contamination.
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Two Joplin parks closed to replace contaminated soil
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