U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Reading Lead - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region III
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Subject:
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POLREP #1
Initial Removal Assessment PolRep
Reading Lead
A36E
Reading, PA
Latitude: 40.3275706 Longitude: -75.9233499
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To:
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From:
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Todd Richardson, OSC
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Date:
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10/13/2016
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Reporting Period:
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7/28/2016 - 10/13/2016
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
A36E |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Time-Critical |
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Response Lead: |
EPA |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Assessment |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
7/28/2016 |
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Start Date: |
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Demob Date: |
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Completion Date: |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
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State Notification: |
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FPN#: |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
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1.1.1 Incident Category
Removal Assessment
1.1.2 Site Description
This EPA lead Removal Assessment is in response to a request for assistance from the City of Reading.
On 7/28 EPA OSC T. Richardson was contacted by Deb Hoag, an engineer for the City of Reading, regarding a report she’d received which indicated that lead had been detected at 1014ppm in an area that had been proposed for a community garden (basically a back yard of what appeared to be two row homes that were converted into a senior center). The actual sample was collected and analyzed by the Penn State Agriculture Extension.
Mrs. Hoag asked if the OSC was available to take a look at the area at some point, and provided a briefing of some historical information along with a map showing the location of the senior center and its proximity to former smelter/foundry operations. The senior center, and former industrial buildings are located in a well populated residential area, including several other community gardens, and a public park/playground. On 7/28, after briefing EPA management, OSC Richardson met with Mrs. Hoag and conducted a walking tour of the area. During the tour the OSC collected several XRF readings from public areas including an alley behind the senior center, and at the Reading Iron Park (including community gardens). We were unable to access the exact area the sample was collected by Penn State, as the senior center was closed, and the yard was fenced. But XRF readings were taken from the alley way just outside the yard. The highest Pb concentration at that location was ~1050ppm. Readings at the Reading Iron Park/gardens were in the low 100’s (150 – 300ppm). Based on available information, EPA has determined that further assessment of the area is warranted, and will conduct additional XRF screenings, and sample the surface soil in the area.
1.1.2.1 Location
Reading, PA (South Reading)
1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
On 9/27 and 9/28, EPA and START Contractor (Weston) collected XRF screenings and soil samples from the Family First Senior Center, and the Reading Iron Park/Community Gardens. At the Senior Center, 5 locations were selected and XFR readings were taken at the surface, and 12 inch depths. Approximately 25 locations were selected and screened at the Reading Iron Park. Over 10% of the screening locations were sampled, processed ex-situ, and sent to an off-site lab for confirmation. In-situ and ex-situ XRF results (lead concentrations) at the Senior Center averaged in the low 1000's ppm, and results at the Reading Iron Park ranged from <10ppm to approximately 220 ppm. EPA will continue to evaluate potential sources of lead contamination in the area, and attempt to determine the extent of the area of concern.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
Removal Assessment sampling began.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
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Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
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2.2 Planning Section
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2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Historic evaluation of industrial properties in the area
Air deposition modeling (if potential significant sources of lead emission producing operations are confirmed)
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
2.2.1.2 Next Steps
Establish area specific background concentration for lead in the South Reading Area.
2.2.2 Issues
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2.3 Logistics Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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No information available at this time.
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3. Participating Entities
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3.1 Unified Command
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
EPA, PADEP, City of Reading
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4. Personnel On Site
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EPA, START, PADEP, City of Reading
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5. Definition of Terms
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No information available at this time.
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6. Additional sources of information
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No information available at this time.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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