(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Stephanie Chaves)(BlackburnNews.com file photo by Stephanie Chaves)
Sarnia

Sarnia getting the lead out

A lead reduction program is being launched Tuesday, May 14 that includes verification visits to homes in the older part of the city.

Environmental Compliance Officer Sharon Bottomley says city employees will start visiting homes within the "lead zone" that's bounded by the St. Clair River to the west, Murphy Road to the east, Highway 402 to the north and St. Andrew Street to the south.

Sarnia lead zone. Map courtesy of City of Sarnia. Lead zone. Map courtesy of City of Sarnia.

"Homeowners need to call into us, we're not doing anything unsolicited, to make an appointment and then we will attend their house and be taking a water sample," said Bottomley. "If it's accessible, we'll be trying to go down to where the water line comes into the house at the meter and we'll observe what kind of material may be in the piping there."

Bottomley said the houses in the identified zone were typically built in the mid-1950s and are suspected to have lead service lines underground and lead plumbing within the homes.

She said elevated exposure can pose a threat.

"The concern is with young children and pregnant mothers mostly. It's a brain development issue because it's a metal."

It's estimated there could be just over 8,600 properties in Sarnia with lead service lines on the homeowners' side and nearly 4,500 homes with lead service lines on the city's side.

This is the first phase of the city's three-year lead reduction plan, estimated to cost $3.5 million.

There is no cost to homeowners for the visit.

Residents wishing to book an appointment are asked to call 519-332-0527 ext. 2232.

Read More Local Stories