The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection today offered residents of Long Lane in Mt. Sterling an opportunity to temporarily relocate from their homes for an expected period of 90 days while work continues to remediate soil with elevated arsenic levels on some properties.
The temporary relocation is being offered by the state for several reasons:
- To protect the safety of the residents while the cleanup activities will be implemented. Due to the physical hazards posed by the heavy equipment and trucks that will be used to clean up the properties, it would be safer for the residents to be relocated while the work is being conducted;
- To respect the wishes of several residents along Long Lane who have requested to be absent from their properties during the cleanup.
- To allow the contractor to complete the cleanup in the most expeditious way possible.
There is no data that indicates any health risk to the residents posed by the remediation of their properties. It is out of an abundance of caution that the residents are being relocated until the cleanup can be completed.
The reimbursements will include up-front payments for lodging ($100-$200/night) and per diem ($50/per person) while residents are away from their homes. Security measures will be implemented to protect their dwellings and belongings while away.
Residents who temporarily relocate are asked to not return to their properties until the end of the 90-day relocation period, or until the Department notifies them that they can return. It will be the responsibility of the residents to make arrangements for moving their household items and belongings from their homes and properties no later than Sunday, September 25, 2016.
Residents choosing not to relocate will do so with the understanding that there will be heavy equipment and large trucks moving into and out of the Long Lane area, becoming more frequent starting the week of September 26, 2016. The Department and its contractors cannot guarantee the safety of the residents while the cleanup activities are conducted.
The Department appreciates the cooperation of the residents during this time. Should anyone have questions concerning the relocation, you may contact: Tim Hubbard, Office of the Director, Division of Waste Management, 300 Sower Blvd., 2ND Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601, (502) 782-6660 or at tim.hubbard@ky.gov
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