Region 3 GPRA Baseline RCRA Corrective Action Facility

Western Berks  Refuse  Authority
Poplar Neck Road, RD #1
Birdsboro, PA 19508
Congressional District 6
EPA ID #: PAD000443705
Last Updated: 12/23/05
Current Progress at the Site
This facility is one of EPA Region Ill's high priority RCRA corrective action sites.

The Western Berks Refuse Authority facility operates as a Municipal Waste Landfill. As such, it is
routinely monitored by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). Several fill areas
were capped, most recently in March 2002.  PADEP is currently assessing the groundwater
contamination to determine whether additional contamination abatement activities are necessary.
Site Description
The Western.Berks Refuse Authority landfill is located approximately 13 miles southeast of Reading,
PA. The property includes over 200 acres and four disposal sites. Past disposal included hazardous
waste, delisted waste and municipal waste, It currently accepts only municipal waste. The Schuylkill
River surrounds the property on three sides: south, east and west.
Site Responsibility
Remediation activities at this facility are being conducted under the direction of the PADEP.

Contaminants


Groundwater beneath the facility is contaminated with heavy metals and organic compounds.  The
former landfill areas have been closed. PADEP is evaluating the post-closure groundwater conditions
to determine whether additional action is needed to reduce the contamination to acceptable levels.

Institutional Controls
The facility is a permitted, active landfill. As such, current and future access will be restricted to
required operation and maintenance activity. The facility is fenced to prevent unauthorized access.
Groundwater use will be restricted to monitoring and maintenance activities.
Government Contact

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EPA Project Manager
Ms. Maureen Essenthier - 3WC22
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region III
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
Phone: (215) 814-3416
Email: essenthier.maureen@epa.gov

PADEP Geologist
Mr. Kurt Fritz
PA Department of Environmental Protection,
       Southcentral Regional Office
909 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-8200
Phone: 717-705-4930

For more information about EPA's corrective action webpage, including Environmental Indicators,
please visit our site at: www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/correctiveaction.htm

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