U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
H.B. Wilson Elementary School Garden - Removal Polrep
Initial and Final Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region II
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Subject:
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POLREP #1
Initial and Final
H.B. Wilson Elementary School Garden
Camden, NJ
Latitude: 39.9162147 Longitude: -75.1122801
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To:
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From:
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Kelli Lucarino, On-Scene Coordinator
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Date:
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9/29/2010
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Reporting Period:
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8/14/10 - 9/29/10
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Emergency |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
9/29/2010 |
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Start Date: |
9/29/2010 |
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Demob Date: |
9/29/2010 |
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Completion Date: |
9/29/2010 |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
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State Notification: |
Yes |
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FPN#: |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
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1.1.1 Incident Category
On August 18, 2010, the REOC received an anonymous letter regarding a vegetable garden planted on the grounds of the H.B. Wilson Elementary School located in Camden, NJ. This letter expressed concern over the possibility that this garden, planted on land previously occupied by a plumbing supply store, might be contaminated with heavy metals. Since the students intended to eat the fruits, this possibility became a real issue that needed to be clarified in order to insure the safety of the students & faculty alike. REOC staff began investigating the issue by contacting state and local officials, as well as members of the school board.
The H. B. Wilson Elementary School received a grant from Adventure Ag. to develop, plant & maintain an organic garden. The students participated in this project & made an organic garden measuring 66' x 15'. Some soil was removed & replaced with all natural organic mulch, free of iron. Some parts of the bed were raised, others level with the ground. The students then planted various vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, chard, zucchini, sweet potatoes, & lettuce. Prior to planting the soil was tested by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension ( Copy of this test report is available). However, after reviewing the Rutger's test results it was noted that the test only consisted of testing for nutrients.
EPA was informed by the Department of Abbott Facilities Construction , Camden City Board of Education, that they reviewed a Site Feasibility Report previously made for the Proposed HB Wilson Elementary School, which was prepared by French and Parrella Associates, P.A. August 11, 2003. The report indicates that the area occupied by the garden, & all other areas of the site (except a few that are now under the parking lot along the railroad tracks) were tested by French & Parrella & found to be clean of any contamination.
On September 29, 2010, OSC Lucarino and Eric Rothouse visited the H.B. Wilson Elementary School in Camden, NJ to inspect the garden. Vegetables were growing and no visible contamination was present.
1.1.2 Site Description
The garden is located on the school yard grounds of the H.B. Wilson Elementary School.
1.1.2.1 Location
The H.B. Wilson Elementary School is located at 2250 South 8th Street, Camden, NJ.
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
NA
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
No visual contamination.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
On September 29, 2010, OSC Lucarino and Eric Rothouse visited the H.B. Wilson Elementary School in Camden, NJ to inspect the garden. Vegetables were growing and no visible contamination was present.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
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Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
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2.2 Planning Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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No information available at this time.
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3. Participating Entities
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No information available at this time.
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4. Personnel On Site
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No information available at this time.
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5. Definition of Terms
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No information available at this time.
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6. Additional sources of information
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No information available at this time.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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