SALEM — The discovery of contaminated soil has forced the city to shut down part of McGrath Park, the main field used by Salem Youth Soccer.
Soil tests done for a construction project revealed "elevated levels" of two metals, lead and cadmium, at the lower field at McGrath Park, according to Jason Silva, chief administrative aide to Mayor Kim Driscoll.
The upper field will remain in use since tests there did not reveal a problem.
While they do not feel the soil poses a risk, officials said they are closing the lower field to allow for more testing and possible cleanup.
"Based on conservative analysis, the potential exposure to the metals is low and the levels do not pose an immediate risk to human health," Silva said in a statement.
City officials notified Salem Youth Soccer late Monday to make sure the contaminated lower field is not being used for practices or games and to allow the league time to find new sites.
Several hundred children play games at McGrath every weekend, according to a youth soccer official. There are about 600 boys and girls in the program. The soccer season began in early April and ends in mid-June.
Soccer representatives are scheduled to meet tomorrow with Driscoll and other city officials to go over field options.
In addition to municipal facilities that might be available, the mayor said Salem State University has offered fields.
"We are very hopeful we can put together alternative fields so we can make sure youth soccer has places to play in as orderly a way as possible," said the mayor, a youth soccer parent.
"The offer of help has been absolutely outstanding," said Terry Wilkins, a director of Salem Youth Soccer.
The latest field information will be posted at SYS's website, www.witchcitysoccer.org.
The soil testing was done as part of preliminary site work for the proposed construction of a new concession stand and bathrooms for Salem Youth Soccer.
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