Spring Lake Park, Omaha, Nebraska

Site Overview

Site Location

Omaha, Nebraska

Site Description

A neighborhood organization is concerned about possible public safety and environmental impacts associated with historical landfills adjacent to present-day residential areas. The former landfill areas are now parks. Residents are concerned about a "bare spot" in one of the parks where nothing will grow and which is increasing in size. Seepage of murky, foul-smelling liquids and uneven settlement are also occurring in parts of the park. Several generations of sewer lines underlie the park area. The community group is interested in improving the park's environmental condition and in creating unique recreation opportunities by re-establishing some wetlands and woodlands.

Organization Requesting Assistance

Spring Lake Park Habitat Restoration and Preservation Team

Beginning Date of Assistance

Fall 1998

Summary of TAB Assistance

TOSC provided telephone consultations and written information to citizens preparing a letter to the city that requested investigation and correction of possible health/safety problems at the park. In response, the city public works department performed soil tests, is surveying and repairing some of the sewer lines, and has committed to repair/maintain subsiding areas. TOSC provided review comments and additional recommendations for the city's efforts. TOSC also made a site visit and provided reference material on risks associated with former landfills. Several follow-up visits to the site were made and TOSC led stakeholders through a visioning process to develop consensus about future redevelopment of the site. The community group used drawings and materials from the visioning workshops to obtain additional funds to work towards improving the site.

TAB Information Contact

Terrie Boguski
Center for Hazardous Substance Research
104 Ward Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506-2502

Voice: 913.780.3328
Fax: 785.532.5985
E-mail: tboguski@k-state.edu