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El Paso and Sunland Park Public Schools Safe for Children

Release Date: 8/9/2001
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that schools are safe for children based on soil sampling at 22 public schools in El Paso and Sunland Park. Parents should be reassured that their children are not being exposed to heavy metals in soil.

     EPA, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Health, city/county officials, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, the New Mexico Environment Department, and New Mexico Department of Health conducted the soil survey.  

     Confirmation soil samples were collected from the schools during July 2001.  Soil samples were collected from the surface to one inch in depth and from the surface to six inches in depth.  After collection, the soil samples were analyzed for arsenic and lead.  

     Soil sampling results show that all 22 public schools are safe for children.  EPA along with State, and city/county health officials believe it is safe for classes to start on schedule.