On May 21, 2008, the Ohio EPA requested U.S. EPA assistance in conducting a time-critical removal action investigation at the Phillipsburg Community Park in Phillipsburg, Ohio. Phillipsburg Community Park was used as a trap shooting range from 1925 to 1988. The shooting stations are still present but no longer in use. The park consists of baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and a playground.
On May 7, 2008, Ohio EPA collected surface soil samples at the park. Analytical results confirm concentrations of lead in surface soil in excess of 400 parts per million (ppm), as high as 5,979 ppm. In June, 2008, U.S. EPA conducted a site investigation and confirmed elevated levels of lead in surface soil. On June 18, 2008, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) completed a Health Consulatation for the site and concluded that lead contaminated soils at the Site pose a "Public Health Hazard" to park visitors. ODH recommendations include removal of lead contaminated soil > 400 ppm.
An EPA public meeting is scheduled for 7 pm on October 16, 2008 at the Phillipsburg Community Center, 10868 Brookville-Phillipsburg Road. The purpose of the meeting is to update the community on the upcoming EPA removal action. See documents section for a Fact Sheet.
The EPA removal action was initiated on October 14, 2008 with equipment mobilization. The removal action will include excavation and off-site disposal of lead contaminated soil. Excavation was initiated in Grid B5 on October 15, 2008. Perimeter air monitoring was initiated on October 15, 2008. The EPA Command Post phone number is 937-884-5307.
November 24, 2008 Update: 39 of 79 grids have been excavated to date. Off-site disposal of soil continues. Backfilling initiated in western perimeter of site.
March 2, 2009 Update: Removal of lead contaminated soil has been completed. Backfilling and grading have been completed. Hydroseeding is scheduled (weather dependent) to complete site activities.
March 16, 2009 Update: Hydroseeding at the site was completed to finalize the EPA removal action (see Final POLREP).
