Birmingham, AL (WIAT) Birmingham City Council members opened their doors for environmental experts to explain what will happen with contamination cleanup. The science will soon reveal the facts of how far and wide contamination could stretch beyond three North Birmingham Communities.   76 properties in N. Birmingham have already been tested and about 23 homes and schools had toxic contamination at levels that needed to be cleaned up. Superfund officials say now that they have taken over testing and cleanup in the area, they will test as far and wide as the evidence takes them.  They plan to search for Potentially Responsible Parties to help pay for the cleanup. 

Superfund officials told council members they have a starting point for testing the soil, air and water in North Birmingham.  They will start with the land around the Walter Coke Facility.  Superfund coordinator Jeffery Crowley says, "that's ground zero." Walter Coke is under order from the EPA to test beyond the boundaries of the facility. They have agreed to and have cleaned up some schools and homes.  The company insists they are not responsible for the contamination.

EPA Representative, Karen Knight is working with on-site concerns with Walter Coke.  She says there are several areas they are still concerned with regarding groundwater contamination and issues with what she says are some units on their property. 

Birmingham City Councilor Lashunda Scales represents families outside of the three current communites where testing has taken place.  She wants to make sure her area will be considered for testing since it is very close to Walter Coke and other similar industry. 

Crowley says they welcome any questions, concerns and definitely input from the community.  He says if anyone knows anything about what could be hazardous conditions in the area, they are asking for input.  They have just started a web site http://epa.gov/northbhamproject.