Homewood to conduct more water tests at Izaak Walton

Homewood officials are looking for further testing of a pond at the Izaak Walton nature preserve after concerns about toxic chemicals. An earlier study raised alarms about harmful toxins entering the water. The village says the pond is not toxic, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Most contaminants were below health risk limits. However, fluoranthene, a substance found at concerning levels, was identified. A local environmental group, South Suburbs for Greenspace, disagrees with the village's view and demands urgent action. Fluoranthene is produced by burning fossil fuels and is harmful to wildlife. It can cause kidney disease and other health issues in animals. Officials believe the contamination may be linked to debris from the old Washington Park Race Track and possibly from nearby Homewood Disposal, which started operations in 2003. Village officials have requested qualifications from consultants to perform more tests on the water. The results of these tests will help reassure residents about the pond's safety. Environmental advocates worry that toxic substances could harm people and animals using the area. The IEPA has suggested further testing for various metals, including arsenic and lead, to determine any risks. Homewood plans to follow a sampling protocol to monitor the situation closely.