U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3
Valmont TCE Superfund Site
West Hazleton, Pennsylvania
ADVISORY
PILOT STUDY STARTS THE WEEK OF AUGUST 10, 2009 TO ALLOW EPA TO
DETERMINE A DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE TO
CONVERT TCE TO HARMLESS SUBSTANCES
During the week of July 20, 2009, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), started the on-site
chemical oxidation pilot study at the Valmont TCE Site (Site). The study involved construction of six new
injection wells around the old Chromatex plant. Those wells were completed in May 2009.
The analysis of the core samples from those wells, along with samples from the other wells on the Valmont Site,
was completed in June 2009. Acting on the information gathered, EPA has decided to inject potassium
permanganate solution slurry into selected bedrock zones in each of the six new injection/extraction wells.
EPA already knows the potassium permanganate can convert TCE contamination in groundwater into water,
carbon dioxide and chloride - essentially harmless substances. However, the EPA study is required because of
the difficulty of injecting the substance properly allowing EPA to test several methods.
DO NOT USE PRIVATE WELLS OR COME IN CONTACT WITH
WATER FROM SUMP PUMPS DURING THE PILOT STUDY
Some residents still have private wells on their property. Although use of these wells for potable water is
prohibited, some residents do use the wells to water their lawns and wash their cars. When EPA uses the
potassium permanganate solution in the pilot, there is a minor possibility that it could migrate to these old
wells, and the wells of sump pumps, as it does its job of destroying contamination from the Site.
As a precaution, EPA is asking residents on or near the Valmont Site with wells still in use to Stop USJIIS
them for any purpose during the study. Those with sump pumps should take care not to come in
contact with water beins pumped from basement sumv pumps. Concentrations of the potassium
permanganate are expected to be very low, however, it could cause staining of items such as clothing and
plumbing fixtures. At higher concentrations, the chemical is an irritant and should be avoided. So, from
now until the end of September 2009, please do not use your old wells or come in contact
with water from sump pumps.
During the study, EPA will constantly monitor the concentration of the potassium permanganate, as well as test
the effectiveness of the injections, to ensure that the concentrations remain low and the study goes as planned.
EPA personnel, including the Remedial Project Manager and the Community Involvement Coordinator, will be
on-site regularly and will be available by phone or email to answer any questions about the project.
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ADVISORY - Valmont TCE Superfund Site
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3
Attn: Bill Hudson
1650 Arch Street (3HS52)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Address label goes here from printer
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WELLS AND SUMPS
For More Information
William Hudson
Community Involvement Coordinator
U.S. EPA Region 3
1650 Arch Street (3HS52)
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
215-814-5532
800-553-2509
hudson.william@epa.gov
Bhupi Khona
Remedial Project Manager
U.S. EPA Region 3
1650 Arch Street (3HS23)
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
215-814-3213
khona.bhupi@epa.gov
In addition to the Internet, Site-related documents
are available for review at the following location:
U.S. EPA Region 3 - ID # PA982363970
Administrative Records Room
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-814-3157 (appointment) or online at http://www.epa.gov/arweb
Brad White
Remedial Project Manager
U.S. EPA Region 3
1650 Arch Street (3HS22)
Phila, PA 19103-2029
215-814-3217
white.brad@epa.gov
Eric Carlson
Governmental Affairs
U.S. EPA Region 3
1650 Arch Street
304-234-0233
carlson.eric@epa.gov
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