Lead‑laden paint chips spill from Baltimore bridge

A recent inspection by the Maryland Department of the Environment revealed that paint fragments falling from Baltimore’s 28th Street Bridge contain dangerous levels of lead. The agency was alerted after residents noticed orange and white debris along Falls Road, near the 2700 block. Subsequent tests confirmed that these chips contain more lead than is considered safe for the environment.

What Happened

• Paint Peeling: The bridge’s paint has been peeling off and dropping onto the road and into the Jones Falls stream below.
• Environmental Hazard: Because the paint contains lead, it poses a risk to wildlife and people who use the waterway.
• Regulatory Action: The department ordered the city to collect all loose paint chips and treat them as hazardous waste.

City’s Responsibilities

• Cleanup: Remove all loose paint chips and properly dispose of them as hazardous waste.
• Repair: Fix the bridge to prevent further paint from falling into the stream.
• Ongoing Oversight: The Department will continue monitoring Baltimore’s compliance to protect public health.

Potential Consequences

If the city fails to comply, it could face daily fines for each day of violation under state environmental laws.