JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A former wood treatment plant on Fairfax Street created jobs, but now the plant is causing toxic concerns and leaving residents with questions.
"We have been fighting them for years," said Lawanta Harris.
Between 1980 and 2010 the plant used arsenic and other chemicals to make pressure treated wood. Harris, 75, lives across the street from the facility.
"I've been married to my husband 53 years and we have lived here 45 years," she said.
The plant is now closed, but it still haunts her.
"I used to grow flowers," said Harris, "but now I can't do that anymore, the soil is contaminated."
In 2012 her husband succumbed to cancer. Harris is convinced chemicals from the plant played a part in his illness.
"We've had so many people in this community to have died of unknown cancer and we need to know why," she said.
Marvin Prier, 62, lives next door to Harris.
"I have cancer too right now as we speak," said Prier.
The retired contractor suspects the plant could very well be the cause of his health problems.
"I have been breathing in that stuff many years and being this close to it," he said.
He said the facility has left a stain on their community.
"We are one of the most contaminated places in America," said Prier.
The Florida Department of Health has mailed a public health assessment report to 750 residents and told them about a public hearing.
"We're in trouble around here," he said.
The EPA is now deciding on how best to clean the soil.
Are the children safe? Is the groundwater? What about the condition of the soil?
There is an elementary school near the 12 acre site, but the Public Health Assessment report states the cancer risk to teachers and students is extremely low.
It also warns residents not to eat fish from nearby Moncrief Creek.
The first of a series of hearings seeking public input will be January 29 at the Dallas Graham Branch library on Myrtle Avenue. The hours are from 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
