The area of concern to the west of Wiley’s Bridge was investigated by the City of Reading in the early 1990’s.  The results of the investigation indicated the presence of elevated lead concentrations and battery fragments in the surface and subsurface soils.  It is not clear why the investigation did not continue, and necessary remedial action did not occur.

1.1.2.1 Location
Intersection of Wileys Ln. and Bowers Rd, Reading, PA 19605

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Lead-contaminated soils and soil containing lead-contaminated materials are located throughout the Site.  While there is some vegetative cover around the Site, the vegetation does not adequately cover the soil to prevent potential exposure to lead contamination, the soil and waste material is often bare or very poorly vegetated.  Residents around the Site, visitors, and trespassers onto the Site have unrestricted access to the contaminated soil areas.  Contact with the soil and subsequent incidental ingestion of contaminated soil poses a significant threat to human health of nearby populations. 

In the absence of cleanup activities, the Site poses a potential direct contact threat to human receptors (trespassers), as well as the potential for secondary contamination of private residences and businesses.  Incidental ingestion of lead in the soil or sediment at the Site may result in increased blood lead levels.  Lead is known to adversely affect the central nervous system.

The hazardous substances located in the soils at the Site include lead contaminated, exposed surface soil on an embankment, and on walking trails.  There is insufficient vegetation to prevent the migration of the contaminated soil through erosion by wind or precipitation or movement through pedestrian traffic.  Areas of erosion have been observed throughout the site. Lead contaminated soils could easily migrate downgrade to heavily used recreational areas and/or into the Maiden Creek. 

Two emergency inlets to the Reading Area Water Authority's public water supply treatment plant are directly acoross the creek from identified areas of lead contamination (lead contaminated soil/debris).  

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

In May, 2014, PADEP Project Manager, Dave Hrobuchak contacted OSC Richardson regarding reports of battery fragments observed along Maiden Creek, near Wiley’s Bridge. On May 1, 2014, OSC Richardson joined PADEP Project Manager Hrobuchak for an initial assessment of the area of concern. Significant amounts of battery fragment waste was observed along Maiden Creek for about a quarter mile, on the bank of Maiden Creek. Five random discrete surface soil samples were collected and sent to a lab for analysis. Analytical results revealed lead concentrations of 15,803ppm, 23,378ppm, 33,884ppm, 55,063ppm, and 68,489ppm. All of the analytical results far exceed the area specific risk based action level of 572ppm, established for the Price Battery Remedial Site.

Following the initial assessment, the EPA OSC again visited the Site. Walking along the bank of Maiden Creek, using an XRF, battery fragments and elevated lead concentrations were found not only in the initial quarter mile west of Wiley’s Bridge, but also on to the east of the Bridge, onto the Blue Falls Grove Property. ATSDR was consulted regarding the findings at the site, and support the proposed action. The City of Reading was also briefed on the concerns related the Site, and has granted EPA access to further investigate. EPA has also met with the owners of the Blue Falls Grove Property, and is awaiting consent to access the property.

In May, 2014, PADEP Project Manager, Dave Hrobuchak contacted OSC Richardson regarding reports of battery fragments observed along Maiden Creek, near Wiley’s Bridge.  On May 1, 2014, OSC Richardson joined PADEP Project Manager Hrobuchak for an initial assessment of the area of concern.  Significant amounts of battery fragment waste was observed along Maiden Creek for about a quarter mile, on the bank of Maiden Creek.  Five random discrete surface soil samples were collected and sent to a lab for analysis.  Analytical results revealed lead concentrations of 15,803ppm, 23,378ppm, 33,884ppm, 55,063ppm, and 68,489ppm.  All of the analytical results far exceed the area specific risk based action level of 572ppm, established for the Price Battery Remedial Site.   

Following the initial assessment, the EPA OSC again visited the Site.  Walking along the bank of Maiden Creek, using an XRF, battery fragments and elevated lead concentrations were found not only in the initial quarter mile west of Wiley’s Bridge, but also on to the east of the Bridge, onto the Blue Falls Grove Property.  ATSDR was consulted regarding the findings at the site, and support the proposed action.  The City of Reading was also briefed on the concerns related the Site, and has granted EPA access to further investigate.  EPA has also met with the owners of the Blue Falls Grove Property, and is awaiting consent to access the property.