Federal officials have added a lead-contaminated southeast Kansas community to a list of hazardous waste sites eligible for abatement through the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. It is commonly known as the Superfund program.
Besides the newly added site in the town of Caney, the Environmental Protection Agency also has proposed adding another site in the southeast Kansas town of Weir to the Superfund list. Both communities were the scene of smelting operations a century ago. The concern is that the smelting operations caused lead particles to become airborne and settle onto area properties.
Lead exposure can pose serious health risks, particularly for young children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said that the next step for Caney includes an investigation to determine the extent of contamination, and completion of a baseline risk assessment. At the site in Weir, there will be a 60-day public comment period.