Structure Contaminated with Lead Paint, Council Told

Hellertown Borough Council , but the restoration could be more expensive if soil underneath the dilapidated structure turns out to be lead-contaminated, council was told by Borough Engineer Bryan Smith Oct. 3.

Smith, of Barry Isett and Associates, reported that preliminary testing of paint on the grandstand has revealed it to be lead-based, which is why the soil underneath the structure may also be contaminated and in need of remediation.

If the soil is found to be contaminated, Smith said, the estimated $135,000 cost of the project is likely to be significantly impacted.

Smith recommending testing the soil, which he said will cost approximately $2,371, but council members were hesitant to move forward with the recommendation after hearing the price tag.

Council President Phil Weber recommended waiting to reconsider the soil testing until after council completes its work on the borough's 2012 budget, which is now underway.

"We're going to have to do this no matter what," council vice president John Bate said.

No decision about when or if council will proceed with the soil testing was made at the meeting.