Soil & Property Testing

August 11 Update

Laboratory Analysis of Soil Samples in Areas in Four Durham Parks Show Higher Lead Levels than EPA Threshold  

One Northgate Park Playground Fenced Off; Grassy Areas of Walltown and East End Parks Fenced Off; Signs Installed for Wooded Area of Lyon Park

This update is in addition to the August 3 memo outlining preliminary results of the soil assessment for lead in five City parks.

As part of our commitment to to the community's safety and to provide ongoing updates about soil testing for lead in five Durham Parks and Recreation parks, we are sharing preliminary laboratory analysis of soil samples based on the initial screening results provided on August 3. Since the below results are higher than the EPA threshold of 400 ppm in areas of these four parks, out of an abundance of caution, we are taking the following actions, until we receive guidance from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), based on the final lab analysis report. 

Because one of the three playgrounds was mulched, but unlined, laboratory testing was done on a sample of soil beneath a foot of mulch on that unlined playground. The result of one soil sample was above the EPA threshold of 400 ppm. To prevent access, we have immediately fenced off that playground.

All other soil samples taken in other areas of Northgate Park have measured below the EPA threshold and remain open to the public. The other two playgrounds at Northgate Park have liners beneath the foot-deep mulch that prevent access to the soil beneath the mulch. 

While preliminary soil screening results provided on August 3 identified no levels above the EPA threshold of 400 ppm, preliminary laboratory analysis identified one soil sample above the EPA 400 ppm threshold.

This one location is behind the fenced-in baseball field and in a wooded area near the far-eastern boundary of the park. Because this area is difficult to access, a bilingual sign will be posted to alert park patrons not to enter this area. 

All other areas of this park and playground, which was lined, continue to be open to the public.

The preliminary soil screening results provided on August 3 identified seven areas above the EPA 400 ppm threshold. Following preliminary laboratory analysis of soil samples, one additional sample has measured above the EPA threshold.

This location is in a wooded area near the creek bank. This area will be fenced off and bilingual signage will be installed alerting people not to enter the area.

All other areas of this park still measure below the EPA threshold and are open to the public.

While preliminary soil screening results provided on August 3 identified no areas above the EPA threshold outside of the fenced-off Old Sign and Signal Shop, preliminary laboratory analysis has identified one soil sample above the EPA threshold of 400 ppm in the park area.

This one location is in a grassy area between the E.D. Mickle Community Center and bicycle rack. This area will be fenced off and bilingual signage will be installed alerting people not to enter the area.

This park has an unlined playground, in which soil samples beneath the foot-deep mulch tested well below the EPA threshold. The playground and all other areas of the park remain open to the public.

As of August 11, no other preliminary soil screening results announced on August 3 differ from the preliminary lab analysis results for the other parks and playgrounds included this assessment.

The final lab analysis report is expected by August 15 and will be provided to the NCDEQ at that time. Once NCDEQ reviews the report and provides their guidance on how to proceed, we will move forward with remediation of any park and playground areas measuring above the EPA threshold.

The safety of our residents, employees, and park guests continues to be our top priority. We will keep our community informed on this matter and upcoming public engagement meetings are now posted below under Public Outreach. Updates will also continue to be shared on social media and with our community and neighborhood partners.

*August 11, 2023: The section below has been updated to reflect corrected terminology. The statements that originally referenced "preliminary soil samples" have been corrected to " soil screening." Please refer to the section above titled Latest Updates for updated content.

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 and delivered to NCDEQ for review 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 screenings at playgrounds identified any potential contaminant concerns. 
• Lyon Park – No preliminary soil screenings indicate a need for action or remediation. They measured below the 400 ppm threshold.
• Northgate Park – No preliminary soil screenings indicate a need for action or remediation. They measured below the 400 ppm threshold.
• East End Park– No preliminary soil screenings 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 screenings measuring greater than the EPA threshold 400 ppm.
• East Durham Park – Preliminary sample results identified eight (8) soil screenings measuring greater than the EPA threshold 400 ppm.
• Walltown Park - Preliminary sample results identified seven (7) soil screenings measuring greater than the EPA threshold 400 ppm.

Based on the preliminary information from our consultant, the City has decided to prohibit access to any sampled area within a park measuring above 400 ppm. Fencing and detailed signs will be installed to mark the area and provide educational and health resources no later than Friday, August 4.

Next Steps:

• Fencing and detailed signs will be installed to mark the area and provide educational and health resources no later than Friday, August 4. 
• 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.

Update on Soil Analysis Memo

Screening Map: East Durham Park

Screening Map: East End Park

Screening Map: Walltown Park