Ecology Set to Update Lakewood Officials on Tacoma Smelter Plume

The city of Lakewood, along with 26 other cities, was contaminated in the Tacoma Smelter Plume. Elizabeth Weldin, technical assistance coordinator for the Department of Ecology, will update Lakewood officials during tonight's public meeting at 7 p.m. at Lakewood City Hall.

If you're interested but unable to attend, Patch will have a story. Here's some background information on its environmental impacts from DOE Project Manager Cynthia Walker:

• For close to 100 years, the Asarco Tacoma Smelter emitted arsenic, lead and other heavy metals into the air. These windborne emissions contaminated more than 1,000 square miles covering four counties and 26 cities and towns, including Lakewood.
• Exposure to high levels of arsenic can contribute to cancer and cardio vascular diseases while high exposure to lead is linked to neurological and developmental problems.
• Since 2000, the DOE and Pierce County Health Department have worked on education campaigns regarding handwashing and other measures along with providing free soil sampling and clean up at play areas at existing and new schools, childcares, parks and similar areas. 
• Right now, a 10-year plan is underway to develop a voluntary sampling and remediation program for residential areas which contain high levels of arsenic contamination.