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D.C. Councilmember: Fort Reno is safe
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Washington, D.C. (Map, News) - Federal and District environmental officials continued to test a popular Northwest Washington park and the grounds of an abutting high school for high arsenic levels, while assuring residents they were safe.
“There is no danger. There is no risk that we’re aware of,” said D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh, D-Ward 3.
Preliminary tests have not found abnormal amounts of the hazardous metalloid at Fort Reno Park, but the results of more extensive tests were expected today or during the weekend.
The investigation was ordered after a U.S. Geological Survey imaging study showed pockets of high arsenic levels at the park. Fort Reno will remain closed until the results of the samples are complete. Jim Greeves, who has been growing vegetables in one of the 12 gardens on the 33-acre park, said he felt assured Thursday.
“But I’m still going to watch to see if my radishes will glow tonight,” Greeves said.
Comments from Examiner Readers
3:35 PM MST on Thu., May. 22, 2008 re: "Park Service defends actions after finding arsenic at Fort Reno"
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2:23 PM MST on Fri., May. 16, 2008
re: "D.C. Councilmember: Fort Reno is safe"
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2:19 PM MST on Fri., May. 16, 2008
re: "Park Service defends actions after finding arsenic at Fort Reno"
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Former resident/officer said:
What is not really known here is that there is -or was, a Reservoir pumping station and TWO[2] water reservoirs there. Thus the REAL name Ft. Reno Reservoir, as used to reside at the corner where resides the Steuart Corporate offices now; also present is or was, the US Park Police Radio relay station/tower.
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Examiner Reader said:
Thank you Mary Cheh for your leadership and being a voice of reason.
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Examiner Reader said:
This is ridiculous out of control fear mongering. There is no definitive satellite or aerial technology that can tell you what it being claimed. As of yet no one seems to have lab verified data about any risk at all. CM Cheh is correct, this is disturbing after 9-11. Who ever called 'wolf' in this situation should be thoroughly investigated, charged for all the unnecessary emergency response actions, etc.
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