As part of the Stalingrad landscaped stadium renovation project and the obligatory preliminary studies, the Municipality commissioned a series of environmental studies from Cabinet SolPol. These studies gave rise to three reports, the last of which was sent to the City on May 15, 2024. These studies reveal lead and hydrocarbon pollution.
This type of pollution is characteristic of the composition of the poor quality fill used between 1932 and 1954 to block quarries and which is unfortunately found in many sites in our department. Thus, green spaces and areas where the earth is bare constitute places where stadium users can be exposed to lead, as well as, to a lesser extent, all sports facilities. of the stadium.
Based on the reports transmitted, the City contacted the Regional Health Agency (ARS) on May 17 to request an official health opinion. Given the initial results on soil pollution, the ARS recommends closing the entire stadium pending additional studies. These studies must particularly focus on the air and soil of coated spaces (football fields, tennis courts, pedestrian paths and athletics tracks), in order to be able to assess whether at least these coated spaces can be open to users. It is on the basis of this work and the recommendations of the ARS that the City decides to close the Stalingrad stadium while these additional studies are carried out in order to protect the health of users, particularly children. It is the City’s responsibility not to take any risks in this matter.
The City will communicate quickly on the results of these additional studies and in the meantime is working in parallel with the clubs and National Education in search of solutions allowing the continuity of sporting activities on other sites.
Health Risk
According to the ARS, the main pollutant at risk at the Stalingrad stadium is lead. Exposure to lead occurs mainly through ingestion of polluted soil, during contact with soil, or through involuntary but repeated ingestion of soil particles (hand-mouth contact). Children under 7 years old and pregnant women are particularly “at risk” groups. As such, if you have any concerns, you can contact your doctor who can prescribe a blood lead test (analysis covered by 100% CPAM for children and pregnant women).
For any questions or queries on this file, you can write to the following address: [email protected]
