Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization (PERRO) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a community forum Tuesday evening to discuss the findings of high levels of lead contamination in various sites of Pilsen and Little Village. The EPA conducted tests in December and January at several locations that uncovered lead levels more than 20 times higher than what is considered safe, according to a statement released by EPA. Sites where lead contamination was found include Loewenthal Metals near John A. Walsh Elementary School, Benito Juarez High School, and several parks around the area.

This spring, the EPA will be asking property owners to sign access agreements so inspectors can take dirt samples from their yards. The target area is centered on South Throop Street and West Cermak Road in the vicinity of Perez Elementary School and Benito Juarez Community Academy. EPA, PERRO, and members of the Department of Public Health are working together to take action to clean up the high levels of lead. For the full report over lead findings, visit www.epa.gov/region5/littlevillagepilsen. The next community forum will be held April 7th at Casa Michoacán.