CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An environmental study released Friday night gave the green light to a planned tent camp that may house up to 2,000 migrants in Brighton park — despite evidence of mercury and other contaminants on the land.
In addition to mercury, the independent study on soil samples collected at 38th Street and California Avenue, conducted by Terracon Consultants, also detected two semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) and four metals that exceeded tier one levels for residential exposure.
The levels of toxic substances detected in the Terracon study, though, were within state guidelines.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a press conference that “proper remediation” is underway to remove the contaminants from the site.
In the 800-page study, which was obtained by WBBM Newsradio, officials recommended that those efforts include: the removal of soil where mercury was detected, limiting access to areas with the SVOCs and metals, and the placement of a 6-inch layer of compacted stone on top of those areas.
On Sunday, ABC 7 reported that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s would not allow the site to be used to house migrants if the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency did not approve of the findings. The project is state-funded.
Construction of the migrant camp on the land, which was previously the site of a zinc smelter and has a history of industrial use, began last week over the opposition of local residents.
Environmental test results are not the only potential hurdle for the site.
Iron Workers Union Local One President John Gardiner says the contractor putting up the camp is using non-union labor. The only reason tradesmen were not picketing Friday is because Gov. JB Pritzker’s office asked for a pause, he said.
WBBM Newsradio has also reached out to the contractor, GardaWorld, for comment.
WBBM's Brandon Ison contributed to this report.
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