High Lead Levels in Temple Terrace?

serves its residents with comfortable amenities and a convenient location to Tampa sites and attractions.

But before the site was an apartment complex, it was Gulf Coast Lead, a battery recycling and lead smelting facility that operated from 1953 to 1963.

According to a USA Today report, Gulf Coast Lead, which was later renamed Gulf Coast Recycling, built the apartment complex in 1970. Health officials began investigating in 1991 when a resident told the Environmental Commission of Hillsborough County that children were digging up old battery casings at the apartments.

The top two feet of soil were removed and replaced, according to records from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

According to USA Today, EPA officials have said that they are confident about the safety of surrounding areas, and when USA Today tested soil in nearby areas, “a few samples showed elevated lead levels, but most were below the EPA's hazard level for residential areas where children play.”

What do you think of the findings? Are you worried about lead levels in Temple Terrace?