ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates found out Orange County leaders detected a chemical considered highly likely to cause cancer in humans on a property set for a new Habitat for Humanity development.
Emails between officials from last summer show trichloroethylene, or TCE, was detected on the Bithlo property where dilapidated trailers were torn down.
The chemical can cause multiple types of cancer and neurological problems. It was found on three properties on Lansing Street.
“We had two properties that my division found contamination of TCE on, and then there was some old data the health department found TCE some years ago,” said Lori Cunniff, deputy director of Community and Environmental Services.
Channel 9’s Janai Norman made a public records request for dozens of documents from county leaders regarding TCE and the property where habitat plans to build 10 homes.
In one, Cunniff wrote, “If you put in housing, either a very deep well or public water is needed, as there are contamination plumes in the area, and you don’t want to suck up the contamination in the well.”
Some residents near the property said TCE has been a problem for them before.
“I have definite problems from it. I’ve got nerve damage,” said Jim Coffey
He said his nerve damage was caused by contaminated water.
After the county found TCE on Coffey’s property, he had to dig a deeper well to get safe, clean water.
“I have the highest level of TCE out here,” he said.
Cunniff said there are lower levels of TCE where habitat for Humanity plans to build, so the water was safe to drin, but added that the fact TCE was detected was reason enough for concern.
“You always worry when you detect any kind of contamination. You keep an eye out for the surrounding area,” said Cunniff.
Though the TCE was first detected years ago, she said county leaders are doing an extensive environmental study to make sure it’s safe before any new homes are built.
The study should be completed in May and will show what needs to be done before the property is redeveloped.
Cunniff said it’s not known where the TCE came from.