ATLANTA — After elevated levels were found in the drinking water of some Atlanta neighborhoods, the city is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to test the water on the entire west side.
District 3 Council member Antonio Brown introduced a resolution at Monday’s full council meeting asking the EPA test for the presence of lead in City Council Districts 3, 9 and 10.
The request includes residential and commercial properties in zip codes 30311, 30313, 30314 and 30318. The resolution was immediately adopted by the Council.
“I’m concerned about the levels. We need to test the entire Westside to see how expansive this issue is,” Brown said. “The EPA can show its commitment to residents by including all homes and commercial property on the Westside in their study.”
The EPA is investigating possible lead soil contamination in some of Brown’s Westside neighborhoods after an Emory University doctoral student discovered elevated levels in the area. Brown said he wants to expand the study to include residents who live in the districts represented by Council members Dustin Hillis and Andrea Boone.
The soil testing, which is being provided to residents and property owners at no cost, includes 360 properties between Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, Chestnut Street, Cameron Alexander Boulevard and the old CSX rail line. Brown is also asking the EPA to test water sources on the Westside for possible lead contamination.
Lead exposure can be dangerous, especially to children. It has been shown to impact brain development, damage a person’s kidneys and nervous system, and may cause seizures, unconsciousness and death.
