Elevated levels of lead in soil can have a negative environmental impact. On top of that, if soil lead levels exceed Environmental Protection Agency quality guidelines, federal, state and local fines can occur. In either case, Environmental Soil Remediation is necessary and MT2 can help.
It is important to remember that lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in the earth’s crust, and can also be found in natural bodies of water. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency states that natural levels of lead are anywhere between 50 and 400 parts-per-million. Soil can become contaminated beyond these levels, however, through various means. Most common are past industrial use, lead-based paint flaking off houses and buildings, leaded gasoline pollution, and old pipes that contain lead.
But firing ranges are an obvious source as well, due to lead bullets and fragments.
Impact on the environment can be negligible to severe. If lead levels reach between 500 and 1,000 parts-per-million, plants, micro-organisms and invertebrates are affected. Over 1,000 parts-per-million, populations of microorganisms may be completely wiped out, causing a disastrous effect on the ecosystem. When soil is contaminated with high levels of lead, run-off into local water sources will increase contamination of reservoirs. Even worse, soil containing lead may cause dust which can pose a health hazard to anyone near the range.
For these reasons, federal and state agencies will impose fines on companies that fail to remedy high levels of lead in soil. Just in the past year, the EPA made over 75 separate settlements with companies paying civil penalties anywhere from $1,000 up to $50,000 or more. This list of cases from the EPA shows just how prevalent the problem is and the obvious need for professional soil remediation.
Contact us today to make sure you are compliance. MT2 is the leader in soil remediation and environmental firing range services
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