It’s important to note that the metals in the soil that we’re currently addressing are the result of well over 100 years of smelter operations. In recent years, major improvements have been made to lower emissions from smelter operations. These improvements mean that the facility is no longer significantly contributing to the deposition of metals into the soil, so recontamination from current operations is not likely. Still, THEP is working to understand if there is a risk of recontamination associated with ongoing emissions.

As a resident, maintaining good ground cover is one way to reduce potential for recontamination of soil that has been replaced. In addition, residents need to be aware of other potential lead sources in the yard and home environment (for example, fences or exterior building surfaces with chipping or peeling lead paint) that could get into the soil.