DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood and Housing Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Ver?nica R. Soto, AICP
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Acceptance of up to $29,000, as a sub grantee, through Michigan Technological University's (MTU) 2017 Lead Technical Studies Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement phase III of MTU's research project "A Novel Phytoremediation Method to Cleanup Lead-Based Paint Contaminated Soils: Phase III-Demonstration Study".
SUMMARY:
Consideration of a professional services contract between the City of San Antonio and MTU to implement phase III of MTU's research project "A Novel Phytoremediation Method to Cleanup Lead-Based Paint Contaminated Soils: Phase III-Demonstration Study". This is a two year study which commences upon council approval.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of San Antonio is a current Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration (LHRD) grantee from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. These funds address lead hazards in residential properties in low income communities, with children ages five and under.
The Michigan Technological University (MTU) has been awarded a Lead Technical Studies grant to complete Phase III of their research project to test a removal method for lead-based paint contaminated soils. Phase I was a "proof-of-concept" greenhouse study conducted to see if vetiver grass would be able to tolerate and take up lead from contaminated soils. Soils were collected from various homes in San Antonio and Baltimore to investigate how soil properties from the two cities would impact remediation.
Phase II of the study was conducted in large wooden platforms, which were placed outside, open to the elements. Soil from San Antonio and Baltimore was used again in this study. The study was considered simulated because although the plants were outside, the water that was leaching out was controlled.
The Neighborh...
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