The artificial turf field at DePaul Catholic High School is being replaced after the discovery of high lead levels this summer.  The school is making the change even though federal officials now say lead-contaminated fields don't pose a major health risk.

The discovery of the problem at DePaul came after tests at several other turf fields around northern New Jersey showed high levels of lead.  Although the manufacturer of DePaul's field claimed it didn't have any such issues, a test showed a lead level three times the standard cited by the state government.

The contamination forced cancellation of DePaul summer sports camps, and raised serious questions about where the Spartans would play their games this fall.  The school decided not to wait for a federal review of the issue and made arrangements to replace its field.

Work on the replacement is well underway, and seems to be on schedule.  "We're told it'll be ready for our home opener," says DePaul football coach John McKenna. "That's a credit to our athletic director, Joe Lennon, and president, Bob Costello.  They wanted to get it done and got it done quick."

The replacement has meant some upheaval for the Spartans as they prepare for the season.  "We found places to practice," McKenna says.  "We found a couple of fields in Wayne and now we're down at (the field at) Barbour Pond."

DePaul won't be the only school in Wayne with an artificial turf field this fall.  Both Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills got new sports fields installed over the summer.