UDPATE: Kolekole Gulch Park Closed Due to Lead in Soil

Kolekole Gulch Park. Google Earth image.

Kolekole Gulch Park, April 2017. Crystal Richard photo.

Kolekole Gulch Park, April 2017. Crystal Richard photo.

Kolekole Gulch Park, April 2017. Crystal Richard photo.

Kolekole Gulch Park, April 2017. Crystal Richard photo.

Kolekole Gulch Park, April 2017. Crystal Richard photo.

UPDATE: April 19, 2017, 9:30 a.m.

Hawai‘i County Parks & Recreation Director Charmaine Kamaka told Big Island Now that she suspects the sourrce of the lead contamination in the soil is from lead-based paint that was once used on bridge, but added that she is not certain that is the source.

More information from the state Department of Health and Department of Transportation will be published as it becomes available.

PREVIOUS POST: April 19, 2017, 8:20 a.m.

Kolekole Gulch Park has been closed until further notice after lead was found in the soil, news sources revealed on Tuesday, April 18.

The Department of Transportation, Highways Division assessed portions of the park and determined that lead concentrations are in excess of State Department of Health Environmental Action Levels.

“It’s from beneath the bridge all the way to the parking lot area,” said Hawai‘i County Parks & Recreation Director Charmaine Kamaka. ” But they haven’t finished their assessments yet.”

Kolekole Gulch Park. Modified Google Maps image.

HDOT will continue further assessments of the park and is working with the state DOH to determine and conduct necessary remedial actions.

Coming in contact with contaminated soil is not necessarily dangerous, but lead is toxic if inhaled or ingested.

Excessive lead exposure can cause developmental delays, reduced brain function and damaged motor skills.