The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 informed residents near the former Master Metals smelter in Detroit that most of the 70 soil samples taken in the area surrounding the property in March did not show high levels of lead or other heavy metals.
EPA is testing soil to determine if chemicals from the former smelting plant caused contamination in the neighborhood. Master Metals operated as a lead smelter from 1955-1983
According to EPA On-Scene Coordinator James Justice, "Only a few of the original samples warrant a closer look." EPA will return to several properties beginning the week of April 21 to get clearance to do additional sampling. A second phase of testing will include areas approximately a quarter mile downwind of the Master Metals site.
While the testing is taking place, lead-contaminated soil and concrete will be removed from the property under an order from EPA to the companies considered responsible for the contamination. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will demolish the remaining buildings on the site.