By Associated Press
Lincoln, AL – Federal environmental officials are planning a cleanup of lead contaminants found in soil around an abandoned brass foundry in Lincoln.
Tests indicated high levels inside the fenced boundary of the property and in a drainage ditch more than half a mile away.
Soil sample testing is continuing, including from the yards of nearby homes and a park and baseball field next to the foundry.
But initial tests indicated there aren't high levels inside the park or in the residential area.
Leonardo Ceron, who works with the U-S- Environmental Protection Agency's emergency response and removal branch, said the cleanup process should begin before the end of September and will take about two to three months to complete.
Lead is a toxic metal that may cause behavioral problems and learning disabilities in children and kidney problems and high blood pressure for adults.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)