by CKR
The EPA has released preliminary results on 18 soil samples from across New Orleans. The samples were taken before Hurricane Rita hit.
E. coli bacteria were found in the samples, which suggests the presence of other fecal bacteria. The other big finding was diesel and fuel oils, probably from the flooded vehicles and homes. Metals found in the sediments were typical of those found in cities.
The EPA is allowing the samples to dry and will monitor the gases given off as they do. This will give an indication of what returning residents might breathe in.
I suspect that the reflooding won't make much of a difference in what's there. If anything, it'll probably wash some of the bad stuff away.