Second toxic sludge site found in Fort Myers

Neighbors of a Fort Myers community are in disbelief after a second toxic sludge site is uncovered.

When the wastewater was first dumped is still a point of debate, but the dumping did catch the attention of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Low levels of arsenic were discovered in the sludge in the Southwest corner of Ortiz Avenue and MLK Jr. Blvd. City leaders worked with the DEP to designate the area a brownfield, making it eligible for more than $100,000 in grant funding.

Money was awarded on the condition the city clean up the sludge and reuse the property.

Meanwhile, neighbors back on South Street argue the city knew about both properties but decided to take action on the more profitable lot.

Theresa Hamilton built her home 12 years ago, on what used to be a lake. Now her foundation is giving way, leaving cracks along the seams. She fears arsenic found on the sludge property across the street made its way to her property.