By JIMMY LAWTON

POTSDAM -- Work is underway at the former Stan Smith properties on U.S. Rt. 11 where the Environmental Protection Agency is working to determine contamination levels on behalf of the county.

St. Lawrence County Attorney Stephen Button confirmed that soil samples and ground penetrating radar work has begun at the site

The testing is part of an effort by St. Lawrence County to bring possibly contaminated tax-delinquent properties back on the tax rolls while minimizing the potentially costly risk associated with taking ownership.

The two adjacent properties on the north side of Route 11 between Canton and Potsdam house an abandoned former automotive repair, body shop and junkyard. The properties include a 10.9-acre parcel and a 68- by 184-foot parcel with $142,261 and $14,244 in back taxes owed, respectively.

Button said the Stan Smith properties are the most involved of the current sites slated for potential foreclosure, with an investigation of the parcels estimated at more than $141,546.

In 2014, the county applied for an EPA grant for a full site investigation, but was denied due to stiff competition.

However, the EPA later determined that the site qualified for a Targeted Brownfield Assessment. The EPA has since completed a site reconnaissance on both of the parcels.

Now CDM Smith Association will perform an investigation at no cost to the county.

The report should be completed in September, according to Button. Work will include a GPR survey and soil borings.