WYOMING, Mich. (AP) — Documents say dangerous lead levels went unchecked at Michigan National Guard armories that were polluted due to their use as indoor firing ranges.
The ranges closed, but Mlive.com reports the mess they left polluted parts of facilities. Testing in 2014 and 2015 showed lead dust levels above recommended levels, including the Grand Valley Armory in the western Michigan community of Wyoming.
The news organization says lead dust was allowed to accumulate in Guard armories across Michigan for decades. Records obtained by its sister organization The Oregonian/OregonLive show officials delayed action by at least a year to deal with a probe.
Michigan National Guard spokeswoman Maj. Corissa Barton says she “can’t speculate on what decision was made in the past.” She says the issue has since been addressed more seriously.
