b§z) West Lake Update July 15,2014 -L Air Monitors Stolen from Spanish Village Recently, EPA reported that the air monitoring sta- tion in Spanish Village was vandalized sometime be- tween the evening of Monday, June 30, and the morn- ing of Tuesday, July 1. EPA immediately began replacing the compo- nents that had been stolen or damaged. Spe- cifically, Pocket Ion Chambers (PICs) and Electret Ion Chambers (E-PERMs) were stolen and the gamma tracer was vandalized. PICs are small ionization chambers designed to measure x-ray and gamma ray exposures. E-PERMs are ionization monitors designed to measure radon ex- posure. The gamma tracer is a stand-alone, mounted, and remotely operated gamma dose measuring detec- tor. It measures gamma dose exposure in real time. In the course of the vandalism and theft, the gamma tracer was pulled out of alignment. EPA visually inspects the air monitoring stations dai- ly and remains linked to them remotely by computer at all times. Hie community can also play an active role in protecting this vital equipment by looking out for any inappropriate activity at the monitoring stations. Because this equipment is so important to EPA's efforts to protect the community, it is important for people to maintain their distance from locations where it is installed. Besides ensuring the safety of the equip- ment, EPA wants to ensure the technical integrity of the data collected by the air monitoring system. Interference with the equipment may result in faulty air monitoring readings. Parents should watch chil- dren and prevent them from climbing on the fencing surrounding the air monitoring station. In addition to the risks posed to the equipment, children could fall from the fence and injure themselves. EPA placed these stations around West Lake Landfill at the request of the community, and EPA needs the community's help to protect them. EPA has further upgraded security for these stations. The Bridgeton Police Department has pledged to increase patrols in the area. If you see any suspicious or inappropriate activity at the air monitoring stations, please contact Officer Jason Maxwell at the Bridgeton Police Depart- ment, (314) 739-7557; Walt Siemsglusz at the City of Bridgeton Parks and Recreation office, (314) 739-5599; or Ben Washburn at EPA Region 7, (913) 551-7364. Any person who steals or vandalizes the air moni- toring equipment could be subject to prosecution in federal court. It is a federal criminal offense to steal property owned by the U.S. Government. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 641) provides up to 10 years imprison- ment, and/or fines of up to $250,000, for someone convicted of this offense. Pre-Construction Work Plan Update The pre-construction work plan submitted by the Potentially Responsible Parties' contractor has been approved by EPA, pending resolution of two issues. EPA's approval letter to the contractor can be found at the following link: www.epa.gov/region07/cleanup/ west_lake_landfill/ Upcoming CAG Meeting The next Community Advisory Group meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Oper- ating Engineers Local 513, 3449 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, Mo. EPA encourages the community to attend and become involved in the Superfund process at the West Lake Landfill Site. Community Inquiries Ben Washburn 913-551-7364 Washburn. Ben@ep a.gov Find Us On www.facebook.com/eparegion7 www.twitter.com/ep aregion7 www.scribd.com/eparegion7 www.epa.gov/region7/cleanup/west_lake_landfill ------- |