After years of testing for contamination, one local community is one step closer to becoming a Superfund site. Governor Schweitzer announced on Tuesday that he has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make the contaminated area of Black Eagle a federal Superfund site.

Recent investigations show 375 residential yards in the area have tested positive for elevated levels of lead and arsenic.

The EPA says the contamination probably came from the old refinery and smelter which closed back in 1980. In the letter, Schweitzer writes that the contaminated areas pose a long-term risk to the health of Montanans in the area.

Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs says the designation will help speed up the cleanup process. Briggs says, "I think it's very good news for everyone around Great Falls and in particular for the residents of Black Eagle because now that this issue has been raised regarding their homes, it needs to be resolved quickly. We feel very strongly that the EPA can get that accomplished in a fast and effective process and we're looking forward to it so this is really good news."

In the letter, Schweitzer also says there is widespread support from citizens in the community to add this site to the EPA's National Priority List. But residents News Channel Five spoke to had mixed reactions.

If Black Eagle is chosen as a Superfund site, federal officials would start the testing process and outline a plan to remove the contamination at the beginning of next year.