This site is the location of a former precious metal recovery operation. Chemical Metals Industries, Inc. (now defunct) operated this site to recover precious metals from chemical wastes and electrical circuit boards. In 1981, the State of Maryland reported this site to the EPA and EPA commenced an emergency response at the site. The site, consisting of two properties, had been abandoned, and contained over 1000 drums and almost 20,000 gallons of liquid wastes in tanks. The removal of these materials was completed in December 1981. In 1998, EPA returned to the site and excavated contaminated soils from the 2103 Annapolis Road property, then re-asphalted the open areas of the property.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has been addressing the remaining groundwater and vapor intrusion issues. Groundwater contamination has been treated with injections to reduce contamination levels. Vapor intrusion is the migration of vapors from groundwater or soil contamination into basements or first floors of buildings in proximity to the contamination. Indoor air sampling has been conducted by MDE in a number of the homes in between the two properties. MDE is working on addressing the low-level risks associated with the vapor intrusion identified to date.
EPA agreed to conduct subsurface soil sampling at the 2001 Annapolis Road site to determine if contamination in the soils could be contributing to vapor intrusion in the nearby homes.
On July 8, EPA and its' contractors mobilized to the site to collect surface and subsurface soil samples. These samples were collected to determine if contamination in the soil could be contributing to groundwater contamination or vapor intrusion into the adjacent homes. 17 subsurface samples (to a depth of 11 feet below ground surface) and three surface soil samples were collected. Samples were sent to a laboratory for analysis. Field screening of these samples revealed very low levels of volatile organic compounds in all but one of the samples. That sample was collected furthest from the homes (close to Clare Street) and at 11 feet deep, where it could be reflective of groundwater contamination.
Validated laboratory data will be evaluated to determine if significant contamination exists in the soil. If so, EPA will evaluate the levels to determine if soil removal is necessary.
Evaluate laboratory data, determine if any additional actions are needed, and coordinate with the Maryland Department of the Environment.
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