State environmental regulators are investigating a second Baltimore bridge for allegedly shedding lead paint chips into storm drains, warning the city could face daily fines while cleanup and long-term repairs from the first incident remain unresolved.
In a report last week, inspectors with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) documented orange and white paint chips flaking from the Orleans Street overpass and falling onto Bath Street between Calvert and Guilford avenues. Chips were observed on sidewalks and in and around storm drains, prompting the agency to expand its water pollution investigation in Baltimore.
Although testing has not confirmed the presence of lead in samples from the Orleans Street bridge, inspectors said the debris is consistent in appearance with paint chips found earlier beneath the 28th Street Bridge. Laboratory results from that site showed at least one chip contained 36 times over the standard limit of lead.
MDE spokesperson Jay Apperson said Friday the department is treating this as an ongoing investigation involving city waterways, including storm drains near the Orleans Street bridge and areas of the Jones Falls.
“People who come across paint chips that could contain lead should avoid handling them and should be sure that children are kept from them,” he said.
Both inspection notices state that the city could face penalties from MDE for violations for each day they continue. Apperson did not comment on the amount the city could be fined as the investigation remains ongoing.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)
Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun’s website.
Local Story
