June 2016
Lower Darby Creek Area Superfund Site
Cleanup Status Update
EPA Discovers Sou Conthminiktion in Residentmi Yards
No FMMiRUTE HEALTH THREAT. EPA TO EXPAND TESTIHG.
Since November 2015, EPA has
been conducting tests on and
around the Clearview Landfill
and Eastwick neighborhood as part of
the Remedial Design (RD) for the landfill
cleanup. The Clearview Landfill is part of
the Lower Darby Creek Area Super-
fund Site. These tests are needed to
determine the extent of contaminated
soil.
Seven residential yards had the top two
feet of their soil tested in Spring 2016.
EPA recently received the results from
these tests. In most yards tested, one or
more contaminants, called polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are
above EPA's cleanup levels for the
Clearview Landfill.
In nearly all instances, heavy metals,
such as lead, as well as polychlorinat-
ed biphenyls (PCBs) were below EPA's
cleanup levels. One sample from one
yard found lead above EPA's national
default lead cleanup level. A cleanup
level is the concentration of each con-
taminant that EPA has determined is
protective of your health.
Is There An Immediate Health Risk?
The levels of PAHs found do not pose an
immediate health threat to the residents.
Long-term exposure to PAHs over an
extended period (30-70 years) may in-
crease potential cancer risks. Additional
information about PAHs is included on
the next page.
What Is EPA Doing Next?
EPA has reached out to these residents
to discuss the test results and next steps.
We are also moving quickly to conduct
more tests to identify additional proper-
ties impacted by the contamination. EPA
is also determining if the PAHs are from
the Clearview Landfill or another source
of pollution. EPA will use the information
from these additional tests to determine
the next steps. This process will take
several months to complete.
Where Did EPA Test?
Based on historic soil test results, EPA
conducted additional testing in the north-
ern and southern ends of the Eastwick
Regional Park ("the Park") in November
2015. These test results showed that
there are additional areas in the Park
that are above cleanup levels for PAHs.
Since that time, EPA has been methodi-
cally expanding its soil testing, moving
away from the landfill and into the East-
wick neighborhood with each new round
of testing. Most recently, testing took
place around Angelo Place, southern
portions of Buist Avenue, and north of
Saturn Place. Soil testing will continue to
expand as necessary, until soil contami-
nants are below EPA cleanup levels.
It is important to remember, if you are a
resident or property owner and if you
have NOT been contacted by EPA, your
property has not been tested at this point
in the process.
OH THE H0RIZ0H
The Remedial Design (RD) for the Clearview Landfill cleanup will be 60% complete
in August 2016. EPA will provide a copy of this document to the CAG and TAG
recipient for input. The RD is scheduled to be completed in March 2017. The
cleanup phase follows the RD.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
EPA CONTACTS
For Technical Questions:
Remedial Project Manager
Joshua Barber
(215) 814-3393
barber.joshua @epa.gov
For General Questions:
Community Involvement
Coordinator
Larry Brown
(215) 814-5527
brown.larry@epa.gov
Lower Darby Creek Area Website:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/lowerdarby
LOCAL COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS
Eastwick Lower Darby Creek Area
Community Advisory Group
(ELDCA CAG)
http://www.eldcacag.org/
Darby Creek Valley
Association (DCVA)
Technical Assistance Grant
(TAG) Recipient
http://www.dcva.org
LDCA COMMUNITY
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
FAIR
Eastwick Park Recreation Center
S. 80th St. and Mars Place
July 9, 2016
10 AM—4 PM
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What are Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)?
PAHs are found naturally in the environment but they can
also be man-made. They are a group of chemicals that are
formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas,
or other substances like tobacco or charbroiled meat.
Are The PAHs Able To Move Into My Home?
PAHs stick to soil particles and typically do not move unless
the soil is disturbed. A yard that is covered well with grass
or other vegetation will reduce or eliminate potential direct
contact with any contaminated soil. Most of the contamina-
tion is well below the ground surface which also helps to
keep the PAH contamination in place
Lower Darby Creek Area Superfund Site—Clearview Landfill Update
June 2016
Questions About the Clearview Soil Contamination
Is EPA GOING TO TEST MY PROPERTY?
We have identified several areas throughout Eastwick
where we would like to conduct additional tests based on
results already gathered. We are in the process of develop-
ing a sampling plan using that information. That plan and
EPA's ability to obtain access agreements with each owner
will determine the exact location of the next set of yards to
be tested. Based on the sampling and the extent the con-
taminated area, EPA will decide how to address the prob-
lem. EPA will be contacting property owners in the coming
weeks to ask for access for this critically important testing.
The map on this page shows the general area where EPA
is considering testing.
If I am Concerned About PAHs In My Yard,
What Should I do?
While EPA is developing its plan, our health experts recom-
mend the following to limit any potential exposure to PAHs
in your yard:
• Avoid disturbing the soil beneath the vegetated/grassy
areas of your property
• Cover bare soil areas with compost or mulch
• Add additional compost to existing in-ground gardens
• Wash all produce, peel root crops, and remove outer
leaves of leafy vegetables grown in a home garden be-
fore eating.
• Clean tools, gloves, and shoes before bringing them
indoors
• Put very dirty clothes in a bag before bringing them in
the house and wash them promptly in a separate load
• Wash your hands after contact with your yard's soils
• Prevent small children from eating soil through hand-to-
mouth play and playing in exposed soil
Legend
_ i Approximate Area of Investigation
Estimated Extent of RA Activities
~ County Boundary Line
This map shows the opproximote area
where EPA is planning to conduct additional
soil tests for contamination.
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