WTOP has the scoop on the latest from the Fort Reno Park arsenic saga. Officials have said that early testing from 13 soil samples at Fort Reno Park, Wilson High School and Alice Deal Middle School show a reading of 10 parts per million — far below the up to 1,100 parts per million a U.S. Geological Survey finding that closed the park last week. Safe levels of arsenic are listed as 43 parts per million by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The USGS findings were based on satellite aerial imaging reports that indicate arsenic levels based on stress the poison places on grass. More results on soil testing are expected on Wednesday, and Mayor Adrian Fenty is waiting to comment on whether or when the park might reopen until then.

Organizers of the Fort Reno Summer Concert Series have put up an announcement on their web site saying that they are waiting to hear from officials before they determine what might happen to the concerts — and that they still need your help fundraising:

The news hits just as we were beginning to ask for your help in raising the funds we need for this year’s sound system and stage maintenance. We may be looking for a new home or maybe we won’t need to – either way we still need your help.

We know we’re asking you to donate for concerts that might not happen this year. Think of it as a donation for all the rock of years gone by. We stay dedicated to bringing the music to the people and you can be sure all donations will go to that cause – be it at Fort Reno, some new venue, or something wholly new.

You can donate to Fort Reno via a PayPal link on their web site.

Photo by Mr. T in DC