More Lead Problems in Portland as Officials Disclose High Levels at Parks Building

An investigation is underway into why officials at Portland Parks and Recreation only found out on June 3rd that elevated levels of lead had been discovered at PPR's Multnomah Art Center in Southwest Portland three years ago.

They also want to know why it was only on Friday that they learned that the suspect drinking fountains had been replaced or given new filters three days earlier - years after the initial tests.

In addition, officials were told Friday that some sinks at the center had also tested positive for elevated levels of lead in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

"I am sorry that Portland Parks and recreation did not notify the Commissioner in Charge or the MAC community of these test results when they occurred and that we did not ensure that protocols were in lace to ensure immediate and complete remediation," said PP&R Director Mike Abbate.

It's not just MAC where there are problems, officials said. They are also examining Portland Children's Museum and the Fulton Community Center.

City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, who oversees Portland Parks and Recreation, wants to know what went wrong and how extensive the problem is.

"We know that many Parks buildings have infrastructure such as pipes that needs replacing," Fritz said. 

Until retesting is complete at MAC, all the drinking fountains and some of the sinks have been shut down and bottled water will be supplied.

The news comes as the city is reeling from disclosures that Portland Public Schools knew about elevated lead levels at dozens of buildings for years without the fact being disclosed.

On Saturday, Schools Superintendent Carole Smith emailed parents and staff apologizing for how it was handled.