EPA Finishes Lead Cleanup at Newark Public Housing

The US Environmental protection Agency has finished a project to remove soil contaminated with lead from the grounds of a city public housing complex, the agency said in a statement.

High levels of lead were discovered a year ago at the Millard E. Terrell homes, officials said. The contaminated soil was found near a playground area and was believed to have originated at industrial sites nearby.

Lead exposure has been linked to serious health problems, especially in children, who may suffer from cognitive problems, hearing impairment, behavioral issues and other effects from exposure.  

“Exposure to lead can have lifelong effects on children’s health and their development, which is why the EPA took steps to reduce potential exposure to lead in the soil at the housing complex,” said Judith A. Enck, the regional administrator for the EPA.

The EPA coordinated closely with the Newark Health Department; the Newark Housing Authority; the Ironbound Community Corporation; and residents of the Terrell Homes to address this serious threat to children’s health.

The EPA removed about 650 tons of soil from the former playground area and the northern property line and filled the area in with clean soil. In addition, the neighboring property owner, 99 Chapel Street Partners, will install a barrier wall along the property line to prevent future movement of lead-contaminated soil from its site from moving onto the Terrell Homes property. Complete restoration of grass, shrubs and trees is planned for spring 2014.