Preliminary Findings Of Soil and Property Testing In Five Durham Parks

DURHAM, NC – On June 1, 2023, the City of Durham received a report created by a student enrolled in Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. The report recommended further soil assessments be conducted in certain areas of Walltown, East End, and East Durham Parks due to findings of soil lead amounts as part of their student research project. The student report also recommended that the City assess Lyon and Northgate Parks, based on historical accounts of the land use prior to becoming parks approximately 70 years ago.

The City of Durham immediately contracted for an independent, scientific assessment to be completed with a contractor certified by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to conduct environmental assessments.

Mid-Atlantic Associates was contracted to conduct an environmental assessment of all five parks following the guidelines established through the NCDEQ’s Registered Environmental Consultant Program. Founded in 1993, Mid-Atlantic Associates is an engineering and environmental consulting firm that has worked in Durham for a number of years and provided its expertise on many large-scale projects, including a Brownfields assessment and remediation services to support the redevelopment of Golden Belt in downtown Durham.

Mid-Atlantic’s soil collection for Walltown, East End, East Durham, Lyon, and Northgate Parks has been completed. 

The scope of their collection and analysis is outlined in Soil Assessment Work Plan below. Samples collected by Mid- Atlantic Associates are now undergoing laboratory analysis to provide precise conclusions. The final report is expected to be completed by August 15.

While the collected samples are being analyzed, the City received preliminary information from Mid-Atlantic Associates on Thursday, August 3. 

Preliminary Findings:

• Playground areas – No preliminary soil samples taken from playgrounds identified any potential contaminant concerns.
• Lyon Park – No preliminary soil samples indicate a need for action or remediation. They measured below the 400 ppm threshold.
• Northgate Park – No preliminary soil samples indicate a need for action or remediation. They measured below the 400 ppm threshold.
• East End Park– No preliminary soil samples indicate a need for action or remediation. They measured below the 400 ppm threshold.
  • A separate fenced-off portion of the property not accessible to the public, commonly known as the old Sign & Signal shop identified six (6) soil samples measuring greater than the EPA threshold 400 ppm.
• East Durham Park – Preliminary sample results identified eight (8) soil samples measuring greater than the EPA threshold 400 ppm.
• Walltown Park – Preliminary sample results identified seven (7) soil samples measuring greater than the EPA threshold 400 ppm.

Based on the preliminary information from the consultant, the City has decided to prohibit access to any sampled area within a park measuring above 400 ppm. Fencing and detailed signs were installed to mark the area and provide educational and health resources on Friday, August 4.

Original Lead Contamination Study Maps

Next Steps:

• Further analysis of each area above 400 ppm along with short and long-term solutions in accordance with the EPA and NCDEQ will be provided in the final report.
• In-person community conversations and engagement opportunities will take place in three (3) intervals: 1) prior to August 15; 2) at the point of releasing the report and; 3) after the report is released.

The Durham County Department of Public Health manages the Lead Education and Assessment Program (LEAP), which offers services to increase lead education and awareness. 

LEAP’s website has helpful information about ways you can protect your family from possible lead exposure. Visit their website, email their staff, or call 919-560-4842 for further information and assistance.