Norton to Try to Bring Closure to Arsenic in the Park Episode at Fort Reno (7/1/08)

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will host a community meeting to give residents the opportunity to question federal officials regarding neighborhood concerns about high levels of arsenic at Fort Reno park, initially reported by federal agencies but later rebutted. The meeting will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church, located at 3920 Alton Place, NW. Representatives from the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Park Service (NPS), which owns most of the parks in the District, including Fort Reno will address resident concerns. The park was closed by NPS after the Geological Survey told NPS of suspicions of high levels of arsenic in the park's soil. After further tests by EPA and local agencies, the park was re-opened by NPS.

Norton said she is not holding the community meeting because she has lingering doubts or new information on the problem. Rather, she said, "the residents have not had an opportunity to ask the questions any citizens would have for the responsible federal agencies, which were the only agencies involved.

Fort Reno Park, located in Tenleytown, is a popular location for neighborhood sports and entertainment, picnics, and dog walking. The park is located across the street from Woodrow Wilson Senior High School.

Although arsenic is a natural substance in the environment, it can cause health problems in individuals exposed to high levels for prolonged periods. Arsenic also has been a matter of concern in Spring Valley, where WWI munitions were found and are still being removed.

Norton said, "There were initial findings of possible arsenic, then a final conclusion that there was no arsenic. There was a decision to close then to re-open it. ‘All's well that ends well,' and I believe the community will be reassured that this memorable line from Shakespeare applies once this meeting is held."