Orlando Neighborhoods Searched By Army Corp Of Engineers For Mustard Gas, Unexploded Bombs

Orlando, FL (AHN) - Officials say that some Orlando, Fla., homeowners are living on land that was once used by the Air Force as a World War II-era gas and decontamination range, which means that some people might have mustard gas in their yards or under their homes.

About 2,100 acres in Orange County will be inspected by Army Corps of Engineer workers looking for mustard gas, other toxic chemicals and unexploded bombs.The affected area includes the Englewood Park development in Azalea Park.

The Corps's site inspection will reportedly be conducted in the 2,100 ace area of Curry Ford Road, Goldenrod Road and south of the East-West Expressway, which the Department of Defense used for demonstrating and training between 1943 and 1946.

After finding some unexploded bombs near Odyssey Middle School, the Corps examined some old aerial photos. Spotting craters, targets and chemical storage areas, the Corps decided to conduct a site search of the area.

In January, Corps workers will begin searching for items ranging from small unexploded bombs to large drums of chemical warfare agents, such as the deadly mustard gas, in neighborhoods that have been occupied as long as since the 1960s.

The project is expected to cost about $1.3 million and Army officials say they aren't sure that anything more will be found, but have said that they would rather be safe than sorry.