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Sampling and analysis of the soil content of the North Arlington Little League Field, the high school football field and the Riverside Park soccer and baseball fields following the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene show that fields pose no risk to children.

The studies were conducted by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and Birdsall Services Group, an engineering firm  hired by the borough to assess the level of soil contaminants in the playing fields after the Passaic River flooded the fields following the record breaking rains associated with Hurricane Irene

The Birdsall study of the borough Little League field on River Road at Hendel Avenue focused on fecal coliform bacteria that are present in soil in varying degrees depending on conditions. The engineers note that fecal coliform is present in field soil tests largely as a result of goose droppings on the field. However the level of the bacteria in the soil of the Little League is not a risk at this time and that with over time the bacteria levels will drop. The engineers noted that the borough could hasten the reduction in fecal coliform bacteria by applying lime to the field.

The EPA study of all the fields looked for the presence of contaminants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The studies were done as a cautionary measure with an ongoing study of  contaminated sediments of the lower Passaic River.

The EPA reported that results showed the measured concentration of dioxins and PCBs were all below levels of concern. Based on the analysis, the EPA does not plan to do further sampling and deems that cleanup actions are not warranted at this time.

Councilman Joseph Bianchi said the  tests reports are good news to the borough. “We don’t want children exposed to hazardous substances while playing on the fields,” Bianchi. “The study gives us and parents the peace of mind to know that our children are not playing in areas that could pose a danger to their health.”