Light rail project tests for potential contamination

Crews check routes for environmental damage

Hannah Bernstein
December 18, 2014

Starting in October, Metro Transit has been testing the new Southwest light rail route for potential environmental contamination or damage, especially in the Kenilworth corridor.

These contamination tests must be completed before the project can begin official construction and final design, according to a Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) press release.

Laura Baenen, communications manager for the SWLRT project, said they are looking for specifically soil and groundwater contamination in certain trouble areas.

“Potential contamination sources (are) old railroad yards, gas stations, and dry cleaners, for example,” Baenen said. “Testing is ongoing, and reports won’t be available until fall 2015.”

The SWLRT press release also stated that any results from the testing will be released to the public when all data has been collected and processed.

Baenen said a team will deal with any contamination found on the land being used for the new light rail route when that information becomes available.

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