o % EPA Investigates Former Lead Smelting Facility
Jr near Red Hook Ball Fields; Cleanup Required
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Community Update	March 2015
WHAT IS SECONDARY LEAD
SMELTING?
Secondary lead smelting plants
refine scrap or used lead
materials into metallic lead of a
higher purity. Such materials can
include the lead plates from
batteries, lead pipe or metal
sheets that contain lead.
Secondary smelting can be
responsible for releasing lead into
the surrounding environment
through lead fume emissions.
Lead dust and smoke can be
released during the smelting
process, and slag contaminated
with lead may be left over after
the smelting process.
WHY IS LEAD A PROBLEM?
Lead is a toxic metal that was
used for many years in paint and
leaded gasoline. Lead poisoning
can cause a number of harmful
health effects, particularly in
children under the age of six.
Exposure to lead in soil can occur
when children play in the dirt and
put their hands or dusty toys in
their mouths. Lead can also get
into your body by breathing or
swallowing lead dust, or by
eating soil containing lead.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is investigating lead
contamination associated with the former Columbia Smelting &
Refining Works Site (Columbia). Columbia, which was located at the
corner of Hicks and Lorraine Streets in Brooklyn, NY, operated as a
secondary smelter from the 1920s through the late 1930s. By 1940, the
smelter was demolished. The block then became four baseball fields
and two cricket courts which are part of Red Hook Park. EPA's
investigation of this location is occurring due to the discovery of the
former facility and is not related to any other previously investigated
site, Hurricane Sandy, or known health problems.
SITE INVESTIGATION
In October 2014, the EPA sampled soil on the block bordered by
Lorraine, Hicks, Henry and Bay Streets and several surrounding areas,
including the Red Hook Houses. Samples were analyzed for metals
and the results showed that lead levels in the soil samples were elevated
above health-based values in many locations at varying depths
throughout the sampling area. The highest lead levels were detected
more than an inch below the ground surface. While elevated lead
levels at the ground surface are not an immediate health threat, EPA
believes that further efforts to reduce the soil exposure are appropriate
on the ball fields. New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
(NYC Parks)'s routine resurfacing of the infields and maintenance of
the grass cover help to reduce exposure to lead in soil. EPA will work
with NYC Parks to develop additional interim measures to minimize
exposure to lead in soil while a cleanup is planned.
Further analysis of the results showed that the elevated levels of lead
and other metals near the footprint of the former facility and along
Henry Street are typical of emissions from a smelting operation and
likely came from the former Columbia facility. EPA is now conducting
more sampling within Red Hook Park to determine the extent of lead
contamination from the former facility that may have impacted the
park.
Soil samples taken in October 2014 from grassy fenced areas within the
Red Hook East Houses, which are not play areas, also showed elevated
surface lead levels and higher lead detections below the surface, but
contact with the higher lead levels is unlikely unless residents dig into
the ground. Further analysis of these samples indicated that the lead
could not be linked to the historic Columbia facility, and it will not be
further investigated by the EPA at this time. Other sources of lead such
as lead-based paint, automobile emissions from leaded gasoline and fill
material that may have been used during construction may be the
source of lead in these samples.
www3.epa.gov/region02/superfund/removal/columbia/

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If you would like information
about the site please contact:
Natalie Loney
U.S. EPA
Community Involvement
Coordinator
(212)637-3639
Toll Free: (877) 251-4575
lonev.natalie@epa.gov
If you would like information
on other environmental
concerns or the Superfund
hazardous waste program
contact:
George Zachos
U.S. EPA
Regional Public Liaison
(732)321-6621
Toll Free: (888) 283-7626
zachos.george@epa.gov
Visit the EPA's website at:
https://www3.epa.gov/region02/sup
erf und/remo val/col umbi a/
WHERE WILL EPA SAMPLE?
In March 2015, the EPA will collect more soil samples throughout the
block where the Columbia facility once stood to further define the
contaminated areas. Several other athletic fields and high-traffic areas
of Red Hook Park will also be screened. This will include sampling of
all the fields along Bay Street. Soil samples will be analyzed for lead
and other metals to determine if the historic facility contaminated other
areas of Red Hook Park.
NEXT STEPS AND CLEANUP PLANS
Once sampling results come back in spring 2015, the EPA will
determine if contamination from the former Columbia operations
extend beyond Henry Street throughout Red Hook Park. Additional
soil sampling may be necessary. Once the contaminated areas are
better defined, a cleanup will be conducted by the EPA or the New
York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) to address
the impacts from the former smelter. Planning for and designing the
cleanup will likely take about a year and updates will be provided.
In the meantime, EPA and NYC Parks will be working together to
further reduce the risk of potential exposure to soil from areas of the
park impacted by the Columbia facility. NYC Parks will also continue
conducting routine maintenance and enhanced inspections to keep up
the grass cover and reduce contact with lead in soil. EPA and NYC
Parks are coordinating all activities.
HOW WILL I GET THE RESULTS OF THE
INVESTIGATION?
Once EPA receives sampling results and determines the next steps,
EPA will provide updates on the status of additional sampling and
cleanup efforts. EPA will be available to explain the sampling results
and answer questions.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE YOUR
LEAD EXPOSURE
The following steps are recommended to reduce your
potential exposure to lead contamination that may be
present in urban soils.
•	Remove shoes at the door before entering your
home to prevent tracking in any dirt that may be
on your shoes. Clean the bottom of your shoes
with a wet wipe or paper towel.
•	Wash your hands and face after visiting these ball
fields and always before eating, drinking, or
smoking.
•	Avoid digging into or disturbing soil below the
surface of the ball fields.
A view of the block found to be impacted
by lead from the historic Columbia facility.
RedlHook East'Houses,
Historic Columbia
^facility footprint*
RedlHook Park
www3.epa.g o v/regi on02/superfund/remo val/c olumbi a/

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