1.1.1 Incident Category

1.1.2 Site Description

EPA’s Removal Program is conducting sampling to further evaluate the potential for vapor intrusion (VI) at several residential properties located on Bonair Avenue in Hatboro, Montgomery County, PA.

VI is the term used to describe the migration of volatile chemicals from subsurface contaminated soils and groundwater into the indoor air spaces of overlying buildings through openings in the building foundation. Common sources of VI include petroleum products, dry cleaning solvents, and other industrial solvents and degreasers.

EPA is coordinating with the Borough of Hatboro, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

1.1.2.1 Location

 The Site is located in Hatboro, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

The residences were initially sampled as part of ongoing investigations by EPA’s Remedial Program at the nearby Raymark Superfund Site. Based on the results of the initial sampling of indoor air, ambient (outdoor air) and sub-slab vapor, further investigation was recommended.  Recent groundwater investigations conducted by EPA's Remedial Program suggest that the residences are not being impacted by contamination associated with the Raymark Superfund Site.  EPA’s Removal Program is conducting sampling to determine whether VI is occurring in the residences, and if so, whether any of the chemicals detected present a potential health risk to the residents. 

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

2.1.1 Narrative

On April 5, 2016, with the permission of the property owners, OSC Chase, a representative from EPA’s Environmental Response Team (ERT) and ERT’s Scientific, Engineering, Response & Analytical Services (SERAS) contractor personnel visited three residences to install new sampling ports for the upcoming sub-slab vapor sampling.  One home still had sub-slab ports that were installed during the previous sampling event.  The ports were checked and cleaned and were found to be in good condition.  EPA oversaw the installation of sub-slab sampling ports at the other two residences by SERAS personnel.       

On April 7, 2016, OSC Chase, EPA ERT and SERAS personnel returned to the residences to set up Summa canisters to collect 24-hour samples of sub-slab vapor, indoor air and ambient (outdoor) air.    

On April 8, 2016, EPA ERT and SERAS personnel returned to pick up the Summa canisters.  The samples were later prepared for shipment to an approved laboratory for analysis.  

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

The Summa canister samples will be analyzed for the presence of volatile organic compounds. EPA will evaluate the results to determine whether VI is occurring in the homes, and if so, whether any of the chemicals detected presents a potential health risk to residents.

2.2.2 Issues

3.1 Unified Command

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

Hatboro Borough 
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)