EPA Begins Soil Removal in the Westside of Atlanta Due to Lead Contamination

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently began removing soil contaminated with elevated levels of lead from a neighborhood in Atlanta’s Westside. As part of the agency’s efforts, contaminated soil is being removed and disposed of at an off-site facility licensed to handle the waste. The excavated areas will then be backfilled with clean soil and restored.

According to an article published by  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution  about the project, more than half of the 124 yards tested for lead have been determined to have unsafe levels of the toxic heavy metal. The paper also reports that the EPA is considering expanding the scope of their investigation beyond the 368 properties in the immediate area.

The EPA has stated that their investigation began back in 2018 when an Emory University doctoral student shared data with the agency showing elevated lead levels collected from soil samples in the neighborhoods. Research by the EPA then led to the discovery of industrial smelting waste, called “slag,” in some areas.

“Slag is the leftover material produced when metals are removed from ore,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In the past, it was used for many purposes, including roof singles, roadways and as fill for low-lying areas which may be the case for the Atlanta neighborhoods. Unfortunately, some forms of slag may contain a number of toxic elements, including lead, cadmium, arsenic and other substances.”

People concerned about the potential presence of lead, other heavy metals or chemical contaminants in the soil around their homes, schools, parks or businesses can turn to EMSL Analytical for quick and affordable soil testing services. EMSL has a laboratory in Atlanta and dozens more across the United States and Canada, They provide all of the sampling supplies necessary and even have easy to use test kits for identifying lead from indoor environments or from water samples.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, indoor air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit  www.EMSL.com , call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to environmental test kits, visit  www.EMSLTestKits.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,  Legionella , USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at  www.EMSL.com  for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail