By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Homeowners in Lexington Manor subdivision whose soil has been sampled are due to hear the results of the tests today. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

LIBERTY TWP. - Residents in a new subdivision where the soil around at least two homes tested high for lead will receive results today from soil samples taken last week by their builder, Ryland Homes.

Ryland spokeswoman Anne Madison said Thursday the results would be released today to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, as well as to The Cincinnati Enquirer, after residents received theirs.

Meanwhile, EPA officials probing whether Lexington Manor, off Millikin Road, has lead contamination, plan to meet with residents.

Officials with the Ohio Department of Health and the Butler County Health Department also have been asked by the EPA to attend the 7 p.m. meeting Jan. 24 in Lexington Manor.

Ohio EPA officials want to talk with as many residents as possible to answer questions about EPA's Voluntary Action Program and "other possible ways the agency may be involved in the ongoing situation at Lexington Manor," according to a letter, obtained Thursday by the Enquirer, to Lexington Manor residents from Cathryn E. Grote, the EPA's public involvement coordinator.

This week Ryland sent letters to about a dozen homeowners who have not permitted Ryland to test their soil for lead. Some residents now say they are reconsidering.

"We're leaning toward doing it just so we know in our brain that it's OK, I guess," Jeff Davidson, 37, said. "I'm going to gather all the information I can. If Ryland says they will fix it, we'll be happy. I'm not out to make a buck off of anything. I just want to get it to where I can live out here and be happy."

Last month, the Ohio EPA's Dayton office began investigating after two Lexington Manor residents contacted them. High levels of lead had been detected in one yard in the subdivision on Palomino Lane.

At least 11 of 30 soil samples taken from the yard found lead at concentrations above 400 parts per million. State health and federal EPA officials set standards at a maximum of 400 ppm in bare soil play areas.

Then, earlier this week, an attorney representing the owners of another Palomino Lane home said one soil sample out of several taken in that second yard had come back "significantly over" the acceptable EPA standard.

Lexington Manor was built on 25 acres that once held a skeet shooting range. State environmental officials say lead shot that fell into the soil is the cause of the problem.

After the range closed, the parcel was a cattle farm.

Lead exposure damages the brain, nervous system, kidneys and other tissues. At high levels, it can be deadly. At chronic lower levels, lead can hurt learning ability, damage short-term memory, and increase the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Ryland Homes began building houses in Lexington Manor ranging from $190,000 to $300,000 about three years ago.

Ryland officials have said they were shocked by the high lead levels and have pledged to resolve the problem. An environmental firm began taking yard samples.

So far, 27 of the 46 lots have been sampled. Nineteen of the lots are unsold or under construction.

Several residents are upset, fearing their property values will plummet. They question why Ryland did not tell them their homes were built on land that used to hold a shooting range and contained lead.

Ryland officials said it wasn't necessary because they had been assured the property was safe.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com