The Providence Barrel Site (the Site) is located at 7 Oak Street in Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island in a mixed residential/industrial area at 41o 52' 33.4" North latitude and 71o 30' 11.2" West longitude. In July 2020, RIDEM requested EPA assistance with evaluating potential chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) contamination in the subsurface that may be impacting properties in the Site vicinity. Elevated concentrations of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) were detected at a nearby commercial/industrial property during pre-sale Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) studies. In November and December 2020 and April 2021, EPA conducted soil gas and soil sampling at the site and determined that CVOCs, including PCE, were present on-site at levels that may pose a threat to human health.
Note that this is the second removal action conducted at this site. In 2008, EPA Region 1 conducted the initial removal action to remove VOC and lead (Pb) impacted soil from the site and surrounding properties.
