Hazards in the 'hood

Picture rusty drums heaped into piles, leaking colorful liquids that stain barren ground. Cracked and broken pallets stacked with the remains of bags releasing their powders, flakes and grit to the earth. A place where no one ventures without proper protection.

Now picture a field with grass rippling in a summer breeze. A newly constructed house with a deck and skylights, paved driveway, and a two car garage, in a neighborhood of similar homes. A place of comfort and security.

What might these images have in common? They could both be areas polluted by hazardous chemicals.

As more people move from the city to the country, more houses are built. Rural properties like farms and wood lots become sites for housing developments. Building in these areas can result in unexpected problems with polluted land and water.

The pressure to expand into rural areas promotes developments that often cluster houses in a limited area. If this area relies on private wells, pumping may draw water from distant sources that may be polluted.

As prime land is taken, more developments spring up near business establishments, increasing the likelihood that residential land and water will be contaminated.

Recently, residents of one Maine community experienced the danger of such close proximity between businesses and residences when they discovered chemicals from a nearby autobody shop had polluted their wells.

Fortunately, the informed house buyer can take steps to minimize potential problems. Before purchasing property, you can hire an environmental consultant to asses the property for environmental hazards, or check out the following items yourself:

• What businesses/industries are located in the area? How do they handle, store and dispose of pollutants?
• How has this and nearby land been used? (e.g. agriculture, industry, residences, landfill)?
• For what is the area zoned? How close are commercial and industrial zones?
• What future plans does the town have for the area?

Most of this information can be obtained through the town office, historical society and library. Also browse the phone book, drive around the area, and talk to local residents.

If these inquiries turn up possible sources of pollution, you may want to get the soil and well water tested for likely contaminants.

While all of these steps cannot guarantee problem-free property, they will alert potential buyers to any dangers lurking in the 'hood.

Hank Aho