EPA to Remove Tainted Soil in Depew BUFFALO (wned) - The federal government is stepping-in to make a Depew neighborhood safer.

The soil around nearly 3-dozen homes near Transit Road and Walden Ave. contains high amounts of lead, left behind by former industries.

Environmental Protection Agency Section Chief Dan Harkay says lead can cause a number of health problems, including damage to the kidneys and nervous system.

Harkay says up to 18-inches of soil will be replaced along with all vegetation in the neighborhood. He says residents will be permitted to stay in their homes during the clean-up.

"We practice good health and safety, we keep the area fogged with water, we have air monitoring done...it's a safe operation," Harkay said.

The EPA is doing the work even though a deal with the polluters is still being discussed. The cost of the cleanup has not been determined.

An informational session for affected homeowners will take place October 1st and 2nd in the Village of Depew Town Hall. © Copyright 2009, wned