** CD/\ Metro Container Site EPA Begins Removal Assessment Trainer, Delaware County, Pennsylvania ^ v< to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 3 Community Update March 2007 Metro Container Site ... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), Conoco Phillips and the Trainer Industries will begin sampling activity at the Metro Container Site, located in Trainer, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The site was part of a cleanup effort in previous years, however as part of an interest to purchase the property, subsurface soil and groundwater samples were collected and results detected the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), polychlorinated biphenyl's (PCBs) and metals in groundwater. This new data has prompted PADEP to request EPA's assistance in an additional investigation into the extent of contamination present at the site. The site does not present an immediate health threat to the community. Sample Collection... EPA will conduct a site assessment by collecting soil, sediment and groundwater samples. Samples will be analyzed for VOCs, SVOCs, PCBs and heavy metals. Sediment samples will be collected from Stoney Creek and from the confluence of Stoney Creek with the Delaware River. Schedule ... Sampling will take about three weeks, weather permitting, beginning the week of March 5, 2007. Once data results come back from the laboratory, EPA will hold a community meeting to share sampling results and to discuss any questions or concerns residents may have about the assessment. The meeting time, date and location will be announced in a mailed fact sheet, similar to this one. What you may notice... EPA contractors will be onsite collecting samples and conducting air monitoring to help ensure public safety. The workers onsite may be wearing the following personal protective equipment: • Plastic coveralls, booties and gloves • Breathing masks • Hard hats • Safety goggles Protective gear is a requirement for onsite workers due to the close proximity of potentially hazardous substances and prolonged exposure throughout the workday. It will not be necessary for nearby residents to wear similar equipment. Next Steps... Once samples are collected and data results have been analyzed, EPA will: • Determine whether a Removal Action is necessary • Begin Removal Action procedures (if needed) such as developing work plans • Hold a community meeting to inform the community of the sampling results. • Distribute additional fact sheet on site activities, to keep the community and other interested parties updated. ------- Background... Historic use of the site includes a chemical production plant and a drum reclamation and recycling facility. In 1990, EPA, in cooperation with PADEP, conducted an investigation at the site that resulted in a Removal Action. The 1990 removal action included: • removing thousands of drums of poor condition (both above ground and buried) • installing a fence around the property restricting access onto the property, and • constructing a 300-foot retention wall to prevent contaminants from migrating off- site. The site remained closed until Trainer Industries purchased it during a sheriffs auction in February 2000. In 2005, Conoco Phillips expressed interest in purchasing the property and conducted a site assessment resulting in the new sampling data that prompted EPA's current investigation. For More Information If you have any questions or comments, please contact the representatives listed below: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • Marcos Aquino On-Scene Coordinator (215) 814-3422 aquino.marcos@epa.gov • Alicia Walls Community Involvement Coordinator (215)814-3135 walls.alicia@epa.gov Or visit the Metro Container Site webpage at: www.epaosc.net/metrocontainer ------- |