2.1.1 Narrative

In conducting downgradient sampling pertaining to another Superfund site in the area (the PCE/TCE Northeast Contamination site, f.k.a. as the York Northeast Groundwater site), a distinct groundwater contaminant plume in York was discovered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the fall of 2010. Concentrations of PCE ranging from 9.6 to 32 µg/L were found in private drinking water wells. One well also contained TCE at a concentration of 5.9 µg/L.  The EPA MCL for PCE and TCE in drinking water is 5 µg/L.

The EPA is continuing to provide an alternative water supply to residents, conduct vapor intrusion sampling, and install vapor mitigation systems, where necessary.  Additionally, the EPA is conducting additional soil and groundwater sampling, attempting to identify source areas and further delineate the groundwater plume. 

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

From February 2-5, 2015, EPA employees installed 78 subslab soil gas ports in properties.  OSC Fisher gave an interview on radio stations KAWL AM 1370 and FM 104.9 discussing past activities and upcoming vapor intrusion sampling.  

No field activities from February 6, 2015 to March 2, 2015.

From March 3-5, 2015, the EPA and START collected 78 subslab soil gas samples which were analyzed in the EPA on-site mobile lab.  Approximately 14 subslab soil gas samples showed contamination above screening levels.  Twenty-eight indoor air samples were collected as well.  The summa canisters were sent to the Region 7 EPA Laboratory for analysis.  Approximately 3 indoor air samples showed concentrations above RALs. 

Vapor intrusion is being investigated in several areas in downtown York.  Locations chosen for vapor intrusion sampling are based on former dry cleaners that operated from the 1930s to the present.  Approximately seven former dry cleaner locations are currently being investigated.  These locations were identified from Sanborn fire insurance maps, York telephone directories (found in the Kilgore Memorial Library as well as the York Historical Society), and other historical sources.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

The PRP search is ongoing. No PRP has been identified to date.

2.1.4    Progress Metrics

Groundwater at the Site is contaminated with PCE, TCE and CCL4 at levels above the RAL and MCL of 5 µg/L, resulting in unacceptable exposures to area residents. 

APA sample results can be found in "Table 1 2010 Drinking Water Well Sample Results" in the document section.

Sample results from drinking water well sampling events can be found in the document section under "Table 2 Drinking Water Well Sample Results".

Indoor Air and Subslab Soil Gas sample results can be found in the document section under "Table 4 indoor Air & Sub Slab Vapor Intrusion Analytical Results".

Soil sample results can be found in the document section under "Table 3 Soil Sample Results".

EPA Personnel working on the project (not necessarily on site):
OSC Fisher
RPM Hull
CIC Freeman
EPA Toxicologist Phillips
EPA CNSL Nazar
EPA SME Nicoski

Other:
1 ATSDR representative
2 NDEQ representatives

Administrator of the City of York
Engineer for the City of York