Waterville residents in lead concern
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jun 10 2008 at 4:31 PM
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Some Waterville residents are worried that their children may have been tainted with lead paint that was power-washed off a nearby water tower. The tower was power-washed on Tuesday without using a protective cover.

Scott Yoder, who lives near to the Waterville water tower along with his family members, is highly concerned about the lead contamination.

“Yesterday, during the last day of school, they were power washing the structure the entire day and paint chips were flying,” Yoder said.

The paint chips were tested for lead and it came out positive.

“Somebody told that lead might be there in the primer but not in the paint. I don’t care whether it was in the primer or in the paint. The thing is that lead is there and it’s coming off the structure,” Yoder said.

Waterville's Public Works Director Kenneth Blair is investigating the incident.

“We will make all possible effort to ensure people are safe,” Blair said.

Blair said that the water in the swimming pools and the soil would be tested for lead.

“We are also planning to do a sweep of all these backyards to recover any chips that could have fallen in those areas," he said.

Neighbors are greatly concerned whether their kids are getting contaminated by lead.

“Unfortunately, the kids won’t be in the yard tomorrow. It’s the second day of summer vacation and the kids are stuck inside,” Blair said.