Developer Under Fire Over Soil Test Results

The frequent use of pesticides and herbicides to maintain golf courses can create areas tainted by the residues of toxic chemicals.

Mangione said the soil sample that revealed high levels of arsenic and lead was drawn from "a very small area" beneath the parking lot.

"There's no way anybody could be hurt unless they're digging up the parking lot," he said. "There will be no residential development built anywhere that's a health hazard."

Residents concerned about the project said the finding points to the need for more testing.

"I feel we were deliberately misled, and that causes us to lose all faith in this," said Bridget Mugane, president of the Howard County Citizens Association, who met with the developer last year to try to reach agreement on soil and water testing.

Marc Norman, a resident who has called for more stringent oversight of golf course redevelopment, criticized the county for proceeding with the recent construction of a water line through Turf Valley property.

"They allowed all this stuff to go forward without adequate testing," he said.

County Executive Ken Ulman (D) said he initially favored the county pursuing a negotiated agreement with the developer.

But now he wants to see the county adopt legislation requiring comprehensive soil and water testing of any additional golf courses converted to development.

"It's more prudent to pursue legislation," he said.