DELTA, Ohio (WOWO)— Ohio EPA has issued Director’s Final Findings and Orders to Bunting Bearings and the Fulton County Land Reutilization Corporation following elevated lead levels detected during demolition at a Delta manufacturing site.

The demolition project, located on Van Buren Street, began in November as Bunting Bearings prepares to relocate operations to Mansfield according to WTOL. Air samples collected in November and December showed lead concentrations three to five times above federal safety standards, according to Ohio EPA.

Under the EPA order, the company and land bank must implement dust suppression, conduct environmental sampling, hire an environmental contractor for a site assessment plan, and participate in community outreach. The plan must include soil and surface wipe testing, a timeline for completion, and steps to reduce lead emissions if air sampling continues to exceed standards.

Demolition at the site is currently halted until a mitigation plan is approved. The order also requires a community liaison to coordinate sampling access and communications with residents. Documentation on the handling and disposal of materials from the demolition must be submitted to the Ohio EPA.

Additional air and wipe samples were collected near Delta’s elementary, middle, and high schools. No lead was detected in drinking water from Delta or Swanton water treatment plants.

Questions about health and lead exposure can be directed to the Fulton County Health Department at 419-337-0915 or the Ohio Department of Health at 614-644-8562. Environmental inquiries may be directed to the Ohio EPA at 614-644-2160.