SOUTH BEND — Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have concluded there is “no immediate risk” from exposure to arsenic and lead in the area surrounding a former industrial dumping ground.
Known as Beck’s Lake, the area overlaps LaSalle Park and part of the residential area close to the park. A memo released Friday by the EPA said agency analysis of soil samples collected in October show “there is no immediate risk from exposure to the soils in the sampled area.”
The agency conducted soil sample studies in the area west of the park to Kenmore Street, south to a line parallel with Newcome Street and east to Kaley Street.
“We are relieved to hear these results from EPA after a very thorough testing process,” Mayor Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “These findings are very important for our community as we continue to work with the EPA to ensure the health and safety of this area.”
But there is some concern in the La-Salle Park neighborhood about how well the EPA results are being communicated to residents.
One resident, Marvin Crayton, said he is aware of the testing, but hasn’t seen any information about results from the EPA.
Even if results are mailed out, he said, people have a lot of questions. The agency may say the levels pose no immediate risk, but what does that mean, Crayton asked. Does the lead go away, could the levels get worse?
“Let’s get the EPA out here to educate and discuss (the results),” he said.