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EPA Completes 1,000 Lead Soil Cleanups in Omaha for Third Consecutive Year

Release Date: 11/19/2007
Contact Information: Debbie Kring, Cell (816) 896-0023; Dianna Whitaker, (913) 551-7598, [email protected]

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Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Nov. 19, 2007) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, is hosting an event in Omaha this morning to celebrate the 1,000th lead-contaminated yard cleaned up this year.

EPA has completed 1,000 soil cleanups at the Omaha Lead Superfund Site for three consecutive years. This is a record-breaking accomplishment for the Agency's Superfund program.

EPA Region 7 Administrator John B. Askew said, "EPA has achieved a record pace in removing lead-contaminated soils from residential yards and other areas where children play, and will continue to work with other agencies and local organizations to address Omaha's lead-based paint problem, as well as other sources of lead exposure that are outside of EPA's direct authority."

Askew will speak at the event which begins at 11:30 a.m. at 1317 S. 28th St.

Exposure of young children to lead can cause irreversible damage to the brain and central nervous system, resulting in impaired growth development, lower IQ levels and behavioral problems.