Articles

Toxins Pollute Water Near Park

Michael Pearson, AJC Staff
April 27, 2004

Fulton County acknowledged Monday that toxic chemicals have contaminated groundwater near Providence Park.

Wells provide drinking water for the contaminated park near Alpharetta and at least 34 homes within a one-mile radius of it, but it was unclear how many of those wells might be affected.

County officials announced the contamination Monday afternoon.

The release said tests conducted by an environmental contractor hired to clean up the site detected "some level" of contamination of groundwater and soil, but did not elaborate.

Christina Dupree, director of the county's Office of Environmental Affairs, did not return a telephone message left at her office.

Dwight Townes, a county spokesman who issued the release, said he did not have a copy of the contractor's report.

And the state Environmental Protection Division, which is overseeing the cleanup, was closed Monday along with the rest of state government.

The county closed Providence Jan. 12 after testing disclosed the presence of barium, chromium and lead at the site, which is bordered by a nature trail and overlooks a lake shared with residents.

The chemicals apparently leaked from barrels abandoned at the park decades ago.

County officials have known about contamination in the soil since September, but have not contacted nearby residents.

Monday's announcement rattled Jason Shane, a park neighbor who said he tried to tell county officials about the contamination years ago. He said he would seek independent testing of the well water at his family's home today.

"I'm scared and [angry]," he said. "This is just absolutely ridiculous."

It is unclear how widespread or intense the contamination is, and the release notes that further testing will be required to determine the extent of the problem.

While water test results have not yet been released, initial tests showed four times the allowable amount of lead and as much as 10 times the limit for chromium in the soil surrounding some of the barrels.

It appears the testing and cleanup work will stretch into the summer. Last week, Dupree said the county might not be able to meet a June 1 deadline to report to the state on its cleanup efforts.

And Monday's announcement said summer recreation programs scheduled for Providence will be moved to other county parks.

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