See previous POLREPS for Site description information and a summary of the removal site evaluation (characterization) conducted to date.
The Site property continues to be used by numerous businesses for storage of equipment and materials. However, some of the businesses seem to have significantly reduced their on-Site presence and/or have re-positioned some of their assets or materials away from the area containing sand blasting grit.
The analytical results of the samples of soil and underground water collected during the week of April 27, 2009, were received. The soil samples were collected from the Site and from adjacent residential properties. The underground water samples were collected from the Site. The results were posted to the Site's website and forwarded to the residential property owners participating.
The analytical results of the samples collected from the Site in April 2009 confirm earlier analytical results. Briefly, the Site's surface soils are contaminated by lead and PAHs. The subsurface soils and udergroud water at the Site are contaminated by lead, PAHs, BTEX, and other compounds. The adjacent residential properties contain some contaminants similar to those found on the Site, but exist at lower concentrations.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and EPA toxicoligists evaluated the analytical results and agree that although contaminated, the levels of contaminants on residential properties do not necessarily necessitate immediate response actions to protect public health or welfare. The OSC and risk assessors, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection continue to evaluate overall risks posed.
The April 2009 sampling event was also conducted to assist the OSC to determine the extent of sand blasting grit on the Site and its associated contamination. It is estimated that 24,000 tons of sand blasting grit contaminated by lead, PAHs, and other contaminants is present at the Site. The sand has filled the former lagoons, has been piled at the Site, and has migrated off the Site through surface water drainages. Reports of the sand blowing from the sand have been received from residents. The OSC has also observed sand being blown at the Site.
On April 27, the OSC observed black tarry waste material exposed at the surface of the Site in an area where someone had graded the soil to allow for vehicle parking. This area was observed to covered by a new soil pile during the week of June 8, 2009.
During the week of June 8, 2009, additional assessment activities were completed. These activities included the installation and sampling of ground water monitoring wells in order to evaluate the potential that Site contaminants are migrating into the ground water. Additionally, samples of piled soils were collected along with a sample from the ponded water into which the Site is believed to drain. The analytical results are due in July 2009.
The ERRS contractor completed the removal of the tank which previously contained the black tarry waste from the Site. At this time, all known containers and associated wastes are removed. Only contaminated soil and underground waters are expected to remain.
There continues to be no progress to gain access to the railroad right of way in order to continue the characterization of the contamination at the Site.
The OSC met with area residents and Springfield Township officials on June 17, 2009. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the analytical results of the samples collected from residences adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Site
EPA continues to coordinate with Springfield Township and DEP. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues actions to notify site owners/operators of their requirements to mitigate the threats posed by the Site. EPA will continue to work with DEP to ensure that Site threats are addressed.
No further EPA-directed removal actions relating to the soil and buried tank are currently planned. EPA is however, evaluating the need for additional removal actions pending final receipt and review of analytical data collected by EPA and consultation with DEP and technical evaluators.
EPA and DEP are evaluating the next actions for this Site.
Await final analytical results.
Complete evaluation of surface water migration pathway.
Evaluate migration of contaminated soil to the south of the Site along the public roa.
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