S7"^
'7>
Sr
<
a
o
%:
3
vh
PROt^
'.O
ro
¦z
LLl
o
T
-------
EPA Works to Clean Properties
Not only was the original 2-acre site in Orange, NJ, affected with radium, so were more than 240
residential properties throughout the municipalities of Orange, West Orange, and South
Orange. Wasting no time, EPA promptly formulated solutions to begin the soil
decontamination process by dividing the project into immediate actions and long-
term remedies.
Immediate actions included the installation of radon mitigation systems and
gamma radiation shielding on the properties that contained the highest levels of
contamination, reducing further exposure of the harmful chemicals to the resi-
dents. In addition, a fence was installed around the main site to deter trespass-
ers from coming into contact with the contaminants.
Long term remedy plans have been divided into eight (possibly nine) phases, and
property investigations are still ongoing. When completed, each phase results in
literally tons of contaminated soil and material being removed from the affected
properties and disposed of at an approved off-site facility. To date, approximately 620
properties have been investigated, more than 240 properties have been found to be
contaminated, and over 210 have already been cleaned up. Phases 1-6, in progress since January
1997, have resulted in the removal of more than 123,000 tons of radium contamination. The next phase
is scheduled to start in September 2002. Future cleanup phases also have been planned, with overall
cleanup expected to take approximately twelve years to complete.
Working with the Community
Since the cleanup began, EPA has been conscientious of the problems that the situation could pose to
residents and businesses. EPA has taken measures to ensure that the cleanup effort is done effec-
tively, quickly, and professionally to reduce the amount of disturbance to the neighbors and the af-
fected properties.
EPA has worked individually with families during cleanup of their properties and has made a con-
scious effort to minimize the inconvenience caused by the work. For example, while most families are
able to remain in their homes while the work is occurring, some families, when necessary, have been
temporarily relocated from their homes to allow EPA to excavate the contaminated soil. In these
cases, EPA has been able to move residents to nearby locations, so that their daily
routines may continue as usual and their children may remain at the same
school.
EPA's Petersen explained, "Individual property owners of the affected
properties are consulted throughout the cleanup process, and every
attempt is made to answer their questions, address their concerns, and
complete the work to their satisfaction."
So far, the overall results of the project have proven positive for the
community. As the cleanup of an individual property is completed, the
property and neighboring properties should increase in value, because they
are no longer affected by contamination. The anticipation of a safer, healthier,
improved neighborhood is therefore growing in the minds of the residents.
EPA is still in the process of determining if additional properties in the surround-
ing area are contaminated with radium and other radioactive materials. In
addition, EPA also will be initiating an investigation to determine if the groundwater has been contami-
nated from the U.S. Radium site. This will entail the installation of monitoring wells and is scheduled
to begin sometime this year.
CONTACTS:
Stephanie Vaughn, Project Manager,
EPA Region 2, (212) 637-3914 '
Visit the EPA Region 2 web site at:
http://www.epa.gov/region2/Superfund
EPA supports a home as its contami-
nated foundation is removed
and replaced
------- |