WEIRTON BOP IMPLOSION SITE
EPA was asked by the WVDEP to perform a removal site evaluation on a residential neighborhood adjacent to the Weirton BOP facility to determine if contaminants are present as a result of the implosion of the BOP structure which took place in March of 2019. EPA’s review of the analytical data collected in February 2020 showed concentrations of metals in all of the samples. A small number of samples had levels that exceeded EPA’s removal screening benchmarks for soils. Three sample locations exceeded EPA’s removal screening levels for iron and manganese, one sample location exceeded for lead and one sample location contained a trace level of asbestos. The background samples outside of the implosion plume contained levels of iron, manganese and arsenic that exceeded removal screening benchmarks. EPA’s review of the data showed levels consistent with backgrounds level, both natural occurring and historical, and that a removal action is not warranted.
EPA has coordinated a review of the data with the WVDEP. WVDEP responded that EPA’s removal evaluation was satisfactory in the number of samples collected, sample locations provided a broad area to assess potential impact and addressed their request for a more thorough assessment. WVDEP’s review of the data did not identify significant exceedances as it related to the WVDEP’s RCRA program and would not be pursuing any cleanup of the soils.
EPA has also requested that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) review the data and provide a Public Health Evaluation for the Site. EPA will review any recommendations made by the ATSDR and evaluate if any additional actions can be conducted.
Points of Contact:
Debbie Lindsey
On-Scene Coordinator
304-234-0249
lindsey.deborah@epa.gov
Meg Keegan
Community Involvement Coordinator
215-814-5494
keegan.megan@epa.gov
