US Army Corps of Engineers tell DC parks officials: no additional testing in the park needed.

(Washington, DC) Preliminary tests on Friendship Park reveal levels of arsenic below EPA-enforced guidelines, US Army Corps of Engineers officials said Wednesday. The group concluded that no additional testing is needed.

The announcement is the culmination of an exhaustive collaborative effort between DC Parks and Recreation, the Corps, the Spring Valley Restoration Advisory Board and the Friends of Friendship Park, surrounding the possible soil contamination in the Spring Valley, AU Park and Fort Gaines neighborhoods.

"The partnerships forged in this crisis illustrates the city's dedication and commitment to its residents," Neil O. Albert, DC Parks and Recreation director, said. "We will continue to monitor this area to make sure that all walks of life surrounding the recreation facilities are safe."

"This direct collaboration with those that live in the neighborhood and use the park helps ensure that the results of the sampling effort will address their concerns," said Deputy District Engineer for the Spring Valley project Maj. Michael Peloquin.

Sampling of the park was completed the first week of January. According to officials, all the samples taken were below 12.6 parts-per-million.

Since late May 2001, the Corps has been conducting comprehensive soil sampling across the Spring Valley, AU Park and Fort Gaines neighborhoods in an effort to identify areas containing elevated levels of arsenic. To date, soil sampling has been completed at 84 percent of the 1,481 total properties and lots located within the Spring Valley project boundary. Of these, 144 properties have been recommended for additional sampling. This follow-on sampling is nearly complete.