"City Deems Brighton Park Migrant Camp Safe Despite Contaminated Soil"

A nearly 800-page report released by City Hall revealed the presence of heavy metals, toxic contaminants, and other hazardous substances, including arsenic, mercury, lead, and cyanide, at a Southwest Side site in Brighton Park that is being prepared to house newly arrived migrants. Despite the detection of these contaminants at levels requiring cleanup, city officials deemed the site "safe for temporary residential use" after removing the most problematic levels of contamination. The privately owned industrial land, leased by the city, will house up to 2,000 migrants, pending approval from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The city's consultant stated that additional contamination cannot be ruled out, and if discovered, activities should be halted. The site's history of industrial use necessitated environmental testing to ensure human health and safety.