dragonrider, I remember a local news story from my area about a development built on an old battery recycling facility. They were able to unearth pieces of battery cases and the EPA made them all leave while the clean-up took place. PPM of lead and acid were way too high so it pays a person to research the area before buying but in this case I think these were mid-income homes. It sounded like it was an underhanded deal by the contracter, developer , and the EPA for my state to me. Its not suprising since our current gov. is sort of "not a legal minded person". I think he's more worried about his libedo than his job but I guess thats the in thing to do these days.

I think your post was a good one and certainly proves a big point, poverty is the most formidable enemy of the environment. I was interested in the GIS portion especially. I've tried to educate people on its use for also regulating industrial hemp production as tobacco is on its way out but the old southern baptist, which are based in the cotton growing states who don't want hemp as competition, refuse to credit it usefulness.

Astrocreep:

I read the report you are referring to: it was indeed a crooked deal regarding the developers, and I wouldnt be surprised if the local county permitting officials were involved as well.

Now being in the environmental field, I do my own Phase I prior to purchasing any new property. It has saved my a$$ in at least one case.

In my position, I have to deal with a lot of the same issues, mainly finding out that a subdivision has been located on a landfill or other similar situation. As these were put in and not registered, usually as far back as the 1940s-1950s, there isnt a whole lot you can do about it unfortunately.

All I can say is that there is a home builder (whose name starts with a K) that shouldnt be trusted for just such problems.