Asarco Disputes EPA’s Findings

Asarco says they have conducted their own soil study and the results contradict those of a recent EPA study.

In the spring of 2002, the EPA tested homes in Kern Place, Sunset Heights, and other Southwest El Paso neighborhoods for contaminants in the soil. After the sampling, the EPA reported that about 60 properties had extremely high numbers of lead and arsenic. According to the EPA, Asarco was the source of those contaminants and the soil needed to be removed and replaced immediately.

Asarco officials asked the EPA for access to all the evidence gathered and the EPA refused. In response Asarco hired their own specialists to conduct the same tests.

Asarco now says the contamination could have come from a variety of sources, including herbicides, pesticides, industry, wood-treated playground equipment, lead-based paint homes, lead gasoline emissions, pottery, fertilizers, batteries and lead pipes. They also dispute the EPA’s definition of what constitutes a “dangerous” level of arsenic.

Asarco is now asking people to contact them if the EPA has told them their soil is contaminated. People can call 541-1847 or click the link above to get in touch with Asarco..