Serious Environmental Concerns Uncovered About Meigs Field

CHICAGO (Reuters)— Late Monday evening CBS(2) discovered that here are serious environmental dangers at the former Meigs Field site. The city plans to transform the property into a park and recreational facility. However, it was revealed that there are dangerous pollutants and environmental contaminants within the land. Investigation found reports prepared by the City's own environmental consultants that show high levels of cancer-causing toxins called Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PNAs) at levels in excess of EPA standards. The chemicals in the land, found up to nine feet below ground, are byproducts of aircraft emissions, refueling operations and spills that occurred over 50 years. A temporary fix was discovered where the Park District removed nine inches of contaminated soil and replaced it with a protective fabric and clean, uncontaminated soil. The City's own consultants say that underneath the nine-inch barrier there are still toxins that will have to be removed depending on the ultimate plans for the site. If plans for wetlands, wildlife and sand dunes are approved, a more costly clean-up will be required. Mayor Richard M. Daley said in his response: "Anytime you open any land up you have to remediate. You have to do testing. You have to do borings. And that will all be public knowledge when we do it."