U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
FMO Pesticide Site - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region III
Subject: POLREP #9
Removal Action
FMO Pesticide Site
A3PZ
Orefield, PA
Latitude: 40.6322715 Longitude: -75.6149893

To: Gerald Heston, US EPA Region III
Jeff Bartlett, North Whitehall Township
Dennis Carney, EPA Region III
Linda Marzulli, EPA Region III
From: Ruth Scharr, Federal On-Scene Coordinator
Date: 5/9/2011
Reporting Period: 4/25/11 to 5/06/11

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number: A3PZ    Contract Number:  
D.O. Number:      Action Memo Date: 9/1/2010
Response Authority: CERCLA    Response Type: Time-Critical
Response Lead: EPA    Incident Category: Removal Action
NPL Status: Non NPL    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date: 7/1/2010    Start Date: 9/17/2010
Demob Date:      Completion Date:  
CERCLIS ID: PAN000306719    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification:
FPN#:    Reimbursable Account #:


1.1.1 Incident Category

Time-Critical Removal




1.1.2 Site Description

The Site is characterized as a time-critical removal.  The Site includes approximately 1300 acres of land (approximately 1.5 square miles) that were formerly used for the commercial growing and harvesting of fruit from orchard trees and are currently zoned residential or public use in North Whitehall Township, PA.  Lead arsenate pesticide was historically used for several decades until its use was banned in 1988 by EPA.  Elevated levels of arsenic and lead have been detected in surface soil samples on residential parcels and in public use areas.  FMO Pesticide Action Memo was submitted by the OSC and signed on September 1, 2010 approving a Removal Action which address contamination at residential parcels.   

1.1.2.1 Location

The site is located in the Orefield/Schnecksville area of North Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat


Ingestion of lead and arsenic through direct contact with contaminated soil, or ingestion of contaminants from small particles that have been aerosolized from the disturbance of soil.
2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
    2.1.1 Narrative

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

Landscaping activities were completed at one property, including installation of sod.  An estimated total of 128 tons of soil in 8 rolloffs were removed from the property.

Excavation, sampling, and backfill activities were completed at another property.  Soils were excavated to a depth of approximately 6 inches below grade and were placed into roll-offs for disposal.  Post-excavation samples were collected from the excavation area prior to any backfill activities. Certified clean fill was used to backfill the excavation area. An estimated total of 192 tons of soil in 12 rolloffs were removed from the property. Sod installation and landscaping activities will be conducted the week of May 9th.  Dust monitoring was conducted downwind of the work area and within the work zone during excavation and backfill activities.  No dust levels exceeding action levels were identified from within the work zone.  No significantly elevated dust concentrations were identified downwind of the work area.  Excavated areas were logged with a global positioning system, sketched, and photographed to document what areas were excavated.

Installed sod at four properties was watered each day.  Sod was watered in early morning and later afternoon to avoid burning.

Removal activities have been completed at a total of 6 properties.  One property is currently underway.  Removal activities are currently planned at an additional 14 properties.
  2.2 Planning Section
   

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Property specific work plans for residences requiring soil excavation will continue to be prepared.  EPA will be meeting and scheduling with residents where removal activities may take place.  At times scheduled between the resident and EPA, excavation of properties will occur, samples will be collected, backfill installed, and sod installed.  Removal activities are expected to continue through the summer and fall of 2011.

Air monitoring will continue to be conducted during excavation activities to ensure contaminated soil is not being spread to areas outside of each work zone and appropriate levels of personal protective equipment are being utilized by site workers.

Samples will continue to be processed  at the onsite laboratory for Phase II, Extent of Contamination, and Post-Excavation activities.

Sample results of soils left below excavated areas and mapping showing what areas were excavated will be provided to residents.


2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues
  2.3 Logistics Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.4 Finance Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.5 Other Command Staff
    No information available at this time.
3. Participating Entities
  No information available at this time.
4. Personnel On Site
  No information available at this time.
5. Definition of Terms
  No information available at this time.
6. Additional sources of information
  No information available at this time.
7. Situational Reference Materials
  No information available at this time.