September 2000: The Payne Firm Inc., a Blue Ash environmental consulting firm, assures Thomas and Ryland Homes in writing that the land is "suitable for residential development" after soil is Rototilled with clean soil. Some soil is mixed with lime and buried on the property.

October 2000: Ryland buys first 12 lots and begins building homes.

Fall 2002: A resident discovers high levels of lead in his yard.

December 2002: Neighbors contact the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Ryland notifies residents that elevated lead levels were found.

January 2003: The first of 20 homeowners sues Lexington Manor Inc., Ryland, The Payne Firm Inc. and others involved in the lead.

April 2003: The U.S. EPA declares the subdivision a Superfund site, which qualifies it for an immediate federal cleanup.

June 2003: Ryland settles lawsuits brought by 20 families.

July 2003: Ryland buys back the first of 27 homes from residents.

August 2003: U.S. EPA officials announce Ryland has signed a federal administrative order to remove the lead at the company's expense.

Fall 2003: Lead levels of 10,000 parts per million - far exceeding the allowable government maximum of 400 ppm - are found in 15,000 soil samples taken by Ryland.

October 2003: U.S. EPA removes lead from five properties immediately east of the subdivision, on Millikin Road and Megan Drive, at a cost to the government of $500,000.

Winter 2003: U.S. EPA approves Ryland's plan to remove up to 25,000 tons of soil from 32 of the 46 lots without demolishing any homes.

April 2004: Ryland repurchases last of 27 homes for a total of $7.78 million. Excavation begins.

June 2004: Ryland sues developer Harry Thomas Jr.; his H.T. Investments, employee Deanna Ricciardi, and John Payne and Donald Fay of The Payne Firm seeking punitive damages and to recover cleanup costs.

August 2004: Thomas responds to Ryland's federal court suit and makes claims against excavators Ray Hensley and Shane Coffman, who Rototilled and buried the lead.

September 2004: Name changed to Liberty Estates and put back on market.April 2001: Ryland sells first homes in Lexington Manor.