Despite significant funding for environmental cleanup, over half of the properties in a specific area of Omaha, Nebraska remain contaminated. Tests conducted by the Flatwater Free Press and ProPublica revealed that these homes still pose a risk of high blood-lead levels in children.
The contamination is widespread across Omaha’s urban core. This includes historically Black neighborhoods north of downtown, Hispanic areas to the south, and predominantly white and affluent areas in midtown. Homes located closest to a former lead smelter and other downtown factories typically have higher contamination levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the city of Omaha have been working to mitigate this issue through the Superfund program since the late 1990s.
The EPA Standards and Actions
The EPA set cleanup standards for Omaha in 2009, relying on health recommendations from 1994. Research since then shows even lower exposures can be harmful, causing IQ loss in children and heart attacks in adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lowered the high blood-lead level threshold twice in the last 15 years. An EPA risk model indicates that soil levels need to be below 100 parts per million to protect most children according to updated guidelines.
The Flatwater Free Press and ProPublica found that 208 out of 388 tested homes exceeded 100 parts per million. The EPA presently requires cleanup at 400 parts per million or more.
Concerns Among Residents
Natalie Thorpe, whose daughter tested high for lead exposure, is concerned about inadequate remediation. Her property shows risky lead levels, but they do not meet the cleanup threshold. “It feels a little bit like being a sitting duck,” Thorpe remarked, expressing frustration at the situation.
EPA spokesperson Kellen Ashford stated that removing lead from the soil is only one aspect of community protection. The agency collaborates with local health officials to mitigate risks in additional ways, such as through the Omaha Lead Registry and the Douglas County Health Department’s lead prevention program.
Policy Shifts and Challenges
Over the years, policymakers have wrestled with establishing appropriate cleanup standards. Changing health research and political considerations impact these decisions. The Biden administration set a recommended screening threshold of 100 parts per million, indicating substantial costs if enforced nationwide. The Trump administration later increased this to 200 parts per million, aiming for faster cleanup of high-risk areas.
Despite federal challenges, some local entities and countries maintain stricter standards. For example, Minnesota and Norway have requirements for more stringent remediation, while California has implemented additional measures for potentially hazardous soil.
Future Prospects and Recommendations
The EPA plans to continue testing in Omaha, with findings expected by October 2027. Initial research indicates there might be even more properties with lead levels above 100 parts per million than currently identified.
Tackling lead exposure involves more than governmental cleanup efforts. Organizations like Unleaded Kids, represented by Tom Neltner, suggest practical measures such as maintaining ground cover and adopting basic hygiene practices. These efforts help, but enduring solutions require ongoing support and leadership across all government levels.