By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LIBERTY TWP. - State and federal officials confirmed Thursday they are testing soil in yards outside Lexington Manor, the lead- and arsenic-contaminated subdivision that has been declared a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site.

An extensive cleanup is expected this summer of the neighborhood, where houses have sold for up to $330,000.

But now, the EPA has tested two adjacent yards, one west and one east of the subdivision. Officials hope to test a third one, to the west, this week, said Steven Renninger, an on-scene coordinator for the Superfund division in the U.S. EPA's Cincinnati office.

Until now, soil samples have been taken only within the 26-acre subdivision that used to hold a skeet shooting range.

Meanwhile, Lexington Manor families are in constant fear and anxiety over the situation, attorney Chris Finney told a Butler County Common Pleas Court judge this week during a hearing on the case.

A judge Wednesday ordered Ryland to halt dirt movement and construction in the subdivision except for work wrapping up on one lot for a family expected to move in soon.

Finney represents 18 families who have sued over the lead.

Thirteen lots inside the subdivision are contaminated and more may be discovered, according to the EPA.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com.