NPL Partial Site Deletion Narrative

Omaha Lead
Omaha, Nebraska

On July 29, 2019, the EPA partially deleted 500 residential parcels of the Omaha Lead site located in Douglas
County, Nebraska from the National Priorities List (NPL). This partial deletion pertains to only the 500 residential
parcels. The remaining parcels will remain on the NPL.

The Omaha Lead site extends from the Douglas-Sarpy County line on the south, north to Read Street, west of the
Missouri River and east of 56th Street. The site is centered in downtown Omaha, where two former lead-processing
facilities operated: the American Smelting and Refining Company, Inc. (ASARCO), and Aaron Ferer & Sons
Company (later Gould Electronics, Inc. (Gould)). ASARCO operated a lead refinery for over 120 years and Gould
operated a lead battery recycling plant. Both the ASARCO and Gould facilities released lead-containing particulates
into the atmosphere from their smokestacks, which were deposited on surrounding residential properties. The
site was listed on the NPL on April 30, 2003.

In 1998, the Omaha City Council solicited assistance from the EPA in addressing problems with lead contamination
in the Omaha area, and in 1999, the EPA initiated the process to investigate the lead contamination. The initial
removal consisted of excavation and replacement of contaminated soil where lead concentration exceeded the
action level of 400 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), from properties that provided licensed child daycare services
and residential properties with a child seven years of age or younger with elevated blood level for lead. A second
removal action was initiated in 2002 by the EPA, which included all other residential type properties where the
maximum non-foundation soil lead concentration exceeded an action level of 2,500 mg/kg. Overtime, this action
level was lowered to 1,200 mg/kg and then 800 mg/kg. An Interim Record of Decision (ROD) was signed in 2004
to address: (1) Stabilization of deteriorating exterior lead-based paint at properties; (2) Response to interior dust
at properties where levels exceeded applicable criteria; (3) Public health education; and (4) Participation in a
comprehensive remedy with other agencies and organizations.

The final ROD for the site was signed in May 2009, selecting a remedy including excavation and replacement of
soil exceeding 400 mg/kg lead, stabilization of deteriorating exterior lead-based paint, response to lead-
contaminated interior dust, health education, and operation of a Local Lead Hazard Registry as an institutional
control. The excavation of soils continued until the residual lead concentration was less than 400 mg/kg in the
upper foot, or less than 1,200 mg/kg at depths greater than one foot. The excavated areas were backfilled with
clean soil and sod was placed over the remediated areas. Removal of loose and flaking lead-based paint was
performed by wet scraping, and collection of paint chips using plastic sheeting. Scraped areas were primed and
two coats of paint were applied to all previously painted surfaces. A health education program was implemented
to increase public awareness and mitigate exposure. The EPA worked extensively with the Omaha community
through a variety of communication vehicles including, local speaking engagements, participation in citizens'
groups and city council meetings, local public access television, coverage on radio, television, in local and national
newspapers, mass mailings of informational materials, public outreach by telephone, conducting public meetings,
and through the EPA website.

The EPA and the state of Nebraska, through the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality have determined
that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA, other than maintenance of institutional controls and five-
year reviews, have been completed for the 500 residential parcels at the Omaha Lead site. Therefore, the EPA is
deleting the 500 residential parcels of the Omaha Lead site from the NPL. The remaining parcels will remain on
the NPL and will not being considered for deletion as part of this action.

-------