EPA Investigates Former Lead Smelting Facility
near Red Hook Ball Fields; Cleanup Required
Community Update	March 2015
WHY IS EPA SAMPLING THE BALL FIELDS?
During the 1920s and 1930s, several metal
companies including Columbia Smelting and
Refining Works (Columbia) operated on the corner
of Hicks and Lorraine Streets. By 1940, the
smelter was demolished. The block then became
four baseball fields and two cricket courts which
are part of Red ITook Park. The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating the ball
fields, and other areas nearby, to find out if lead
from the old Columbia Smelting and Refining
Works is in the soil. Once the areas with lead from
Columbia are identified, a soil cleanup will be
planned.
WHAT HAS THE SITE INVESTIGATION
FOUND?
In October 2014, the EPA took soil samples from
the ball fields and several surrounding areas,
including the Red Hook East Houses. The soil
samples were analyzed and the results showed that:
•	elevated lead levels were found in many
locations at different soil depths throughout
the area that was sampled
•	the highest lead levels in soil samples were
more than an inch below the surface of the
ground
•	soil samples taken from near the footprint
of the former facility and along Henry
Street contained lead which probably came
from emissions from the former Columbia
facility
•	soil samples taken from grassy fenced areas
within Red Hook East Houses showed
elevated lead levels unrelated to the
Columbia site, but residents aren't likely to
come in contact with the elevated lead
unless they dig into the ground surface
•	additional sampling at the Red Hook East
Houses is not necessary at this time
www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/removal/colurnbia
WH AT 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.
¦""^^fRedlH ook" East'H ouses.
Historic Columbia
U.W.J. ¦ -rrrwr - -*
* facility footprint
Field #8
Field #5
Red Hook Park

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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: (800) 346-5009
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:
www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/re
moval/columbia
NEXT STEPS AND CLEANUP PLANS
In March 2015, EPA is collecting more soil samples from the
block where the Columbia facility once stood as well as
several other athletic fields and other areas of Red Hook Park.
The results of this round of sampling will help EPA determine
if contamination from the former Columbia operations extends
beyond Henry Street throughout Red Hook Park. EPA expects
to get the results of this sampling event in late spring 2015.
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 protect public health in
the long term. Planning for and engineering the cleanup will
probably take about a year.
While elevated lead levels at the ground surface are not an
immediate health threat, EPA believes that further efforts to
reduce soil exposure are appropriate at the ball fields. Routine
maintenance by NYC Parks helps 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.
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.
www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/removal/columbia

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