United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region III
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

The Site is a former orchard area that has had residential development.  Prior to an EPA ban in 1972, a variety of pesticides including lead-arsenates and DDT compounds were applied.

EPA conducted a removal action at one property at the Crozet Arsenic Site in Crozet, Virginia.  Historical sampling indicated that additional properties may need removal work.  

To date, twelve properties have had removal work due to arsenic concentrations above 58 mg/kg.

One property continues to have removal work done.  Phytoremediation was being used to remove the arsenic contamination.

EPA re-evaluated the used of phytoremediation at the final property at the Site.  Five plots remained for arsenic reduction.  After two growing seasons these plots showed little or no reduction in arsenic concentrations.  These plots  (30 by 30 foot areas on one property) also had levels of lead above 500 mg/kg.  It is not conclusive, but it appears the elevated lead may have contributed to the ineffectiveness of the phytoremediation.  

On August 24th, 2009, EPA approved a change of scope and increase in ceiling Action Memorandum to address these last 5 plots.  This decision document authorized an additional $65,000 in funding.   It also allowed the five plots to be excavated rather than continue phytoremediation.  The previous Action Memo required the plots to go through 3 growing seasons of phytoremediation.

Ecxcavate and properly dispose of the arsenic contaminated soil from the remaining five plots.

Restore all affected areas.