MEADVILLE — South Side Butler residents who want more information about arsenic and soil contamination can go to the state Department of Environmental Protection's Web site.

In April, while working on another project, the DEP found high levels of arsenic in the Kaufman Drive-Father Marinaro Park area on Butler's South Side.

The area had been home to the former Franklin Glass Co. plant, which began operation in 1887. Arsenic was then used to removed air bubbles from molten glass.

The DEP's information on the Franklin Glass site can be found in two places:

n The Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St. The files are available at the library reference desk. For information, contact reference services librarian Cheryl King Walsh at 724-287-1715, Ext. 716, or via e-mail at baplreference@bcfls.org.

n The second is the DEP Web site at www.depweb.state.pa.us. Along the left side of the page, click on "Northwest," then "Community Involvement," and then click on "Butler Franklin Glass Site."

"As our investigation continues, we are working to expand information that is readily available to the public," said DEP Regional Director Kelly Burch. "That's why we have established a public document repository at the Butler Area Public Library and a Web site to provide convenient access to records and files dealing with the investigation."

The major concern is arsenic in the soil. Exposure to arsenic has been linked to respiratory and skin irritation and a potential increase in the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

DEP and its contractor are developing a sampling plan for the site with the primary focus on the residential area and Father Marinaro Park. Information gathered through sampling will help the department determine the best methods to deal with the contamination.

The state Department of Health also will do a health risk assessment study based on the results of DEP sampling.

Chris Saber, a DEP environmental protection specialist, and Gary Mechtly, DBP Environmental Group manager, will work closely with the community on this issue.

Saber and Mechtly can be reached at 814-332-6648 or 814-332-6945, respectively. They also can be reached via e-mail at csaber@state.pa.us or gmechtly@state.pa.us.

For information on the state Hazardous Sites Cleanup program, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us. Keyword: HSCA.