SHELBYVILLE, Ind. -- Nearly two-dozen families are being forced from their Shelbyville homes because the land they live on is contaminated.

River Road seems to be a quiet neighborhood, but the soil beneath the rental units there could be like a ticking time bomb that dates back to the 1920s, 6News' Ben Morriston reported.

Duke Energy is buying the property, which includes 22 rental properties. One of Duke's predecessors owned the land that tests showed is contaminated with arsenic and lead. Duke plans to demolish the structures and clean up the mess.

Renters will get $3,000 for relocation and assistance to find a new place to live, along with interpreters for Spanish-speaking residents.

Resident Allan Martin said Duke's offer is generous, considering he just moved there in September. He and the other residents must move out by the end of November.

Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson said he's glad Duke has stepped up to relocate the residents.

"If it comes to where Duke doesn't want to be cooperative anymore … we're going to make sure things get taken care of properly," Furgeson said.

The company plans to begin demolishing the buildings as soon as everyone has moved out. They are also testing the soil of adjacent property to see if it might be contaminated.