“Toxic Soil Concerns Surround Cicero’s Inclusive Park Project: What You Need to Know”

Cicero, a suburban town in Chicago, is embarking on a project to create an inclusive park on a former industrial site, aiming to provide a safe and accessible playground for children of all abilities. However, the project has sparked concerns among local residents and experts about the handling of toxic soil beneath the surface.

The $2.7 million project promises much-needed green space to combat rising temperatures from climate change. Still, there are lingering concerns about environmental challenges, including toxic contaminants like arsenic and lead, pollution, flooding, and the site’s low tree canopy coverage of only 12%, well below the recommended 40%.

Documents obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency reveal a cleanup plan for the Phil Fuentes Ability Park, targeting “hot spot” contaminants in the northern and western areas of the site, where harmful chemicals like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) were found.

Local resident Gerardo Morales expressed concerns about the contaminated history of the site and emphasized the importance of ensuring the park is safe for people, especially children and pets. The remediation plan involves digging out contaminated soil to a depth of 3 feet and replacing it with topsoil and fill soil, with excavators and hauling trucks removing approximately 242 cubic yards of soil to a hazardous waste landfill.

Experts like Kimberly Gray, a professor at Northwestern University, raised doubts about the effectiveness of the hotspot removal approach and institutional controls like using pavement to block toxins. Aaron Packman, another professor at the university, highlighted the complexity of cleaning up contaminated sites, especially when contamination is localized.

The site’s history includes various industrial activities, such as a dishwasher factory, a concrete excavation company, lumber yards, and a coal factory. Hazardous contaminants like arsenic, lead, and vinyl chloride were found on the site between 2009 and 2011, posing health risks, especially for children with disabilities who may be more vulnerable.

Specialty Consulting, the environmental consultant for the site’s cleanup, stated that the remediation plan follows state regulations. However, concerns remain about the potential risks associated with contaminant averaging and contaminated groundwater that won’t be removed, posing a threat during heavy rains and flooding.

Despite the construction planning for the park, transparency issues have arisen, with Cicero Independiente unable to obtain cleanup and design plans from Specialty Consulting. The Town of Cicero did not respond to requests for comment on park cleanup and construction planning, leaving residents feeling left out of the process.

While Cicero grapples with the challenges of the site, other communities across the U.S. have successfully revitalized former industrial areas into climate-friendly green spaces. Projects like Discovery Green Park in Houston and urban farming initiatives in Chicago demonstrate the potential for transforming contaminated sites into vibrant, sustainable spaces.

As Cicero navigates the complexities of the Phil Fuentes Ability Park project, residents like Pedro Garcia emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety of the park for children and the community. With ongoing concerns about contamination and community engagement, the future of the inclusive park remains uncertain, highlighting the need for thorough remediation and transparent communication with residents.