Several Chattanooga neighborhoods added to list of country's most toxic places

Sept. 11--Several Chattanooga neighborhoods have been added to a list of the U.S.'s most toxic places in an expected move that will open additional funding for cleanup efforts.

The Southside Chattanooga Lead Site was one of five sites added to the Superfund National Priorities List, according to an announcement this afternoon from the Environmental Protection Agency. The site contains properties in Alton Park, Cowart Place, Jefferson Heights, Richmond and Southside Gardens.

"The addition of Southside Chattanooga Lead to the Superfund National Priorities List will ensure it is cleaned up for the benefit of the residents and communities in the affected areas," according to a statement from EPA Regional Administrator Trey Glenn. "These communities become healthier places to live and redevelopment is made possible."

This is a developing story. Stay with the Times Free Press for more.

In the meantime, here's background about the site and the EPA's efforts to clean toxic waste.

Dozens of Chattanooga homes are sitting on toxic properties

Chattanooga site proposed for list of country's most toxic places

EPA commits to cleanup of Southside Chattanooga Lead Site [photos]

Contact staff writer Mark Pace at mpace@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpace and on Facebook @ChattanoogaOutdoors.

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