As detailed in an Action Memorandum dated September 25, 2013, EPA had initially identified approximately 50 properties in the Birmingham communities of Fairmont, Harriman Park, and Collegeville that exhibited levels of soil contamination that exceed, either threefold or a magnitude of measure, Region 4 residential removal management levels for lead, arsenic, and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition to contamination deposited by airborne means over the previous 100 years, or potential contaminant migration due to flooding, these properties likely received fill material from one or more of the local industrial businesses. For further discussion of background information, please refer to previous POLREPs for this Site.

Early in the removal action for the 50 homes, EPA amended the original scope of work to allow for greater consistency with remedial goals that provide for a more permanent remedy. An Action Memorandum dated March 12, 2014 described the amended scope of work.

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated August 11, 2014, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where the soil concentrations for contaminants of concern exceed Region 4 Removal Management Levels and children either live there or routinely and frequently visit.  This change of scope included approximately 30 properties, including the Collegeville Center and North Birmingham Homes public housing developments. 

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated January 6, 2015, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where soil concentrations exceed two times the Region 4 Removal Management Levels for carcinogens; specifically arsenic and benzo[a]pyrene.  This change of scope included approximately 35 properties.  

EPA expanded the scope of work, as detailed in an Action Memorandum dated July 20, 2015, to allow for removal of contaminated soil from properties where soil concentrations exceed the Region 4 Removal Management Levels for contaminants of concerns; specifically arsenic, lead, and benzo[a]pyrene.  This change of scope includes approximately 260 properties.  

Phase 4 removal activities:

Fifty-one residential properties have been addressed in Phase 4 with approximately 209 remaining properties. Total of 170 residential properties including three schools and two apartment complexes have been addressed since removal activities began.

Phase 4 sampling activities:

Of the approximately 890 properties that EPA did not have access to sample, EPA has now received access agreements for 214 residential properties.  Of these, 146 properties have been sampled for direct contact threat (0-4 inches depth) and 46 properties meet criteria for removal activities.  

Disposal:

Disposal is occurring this week.  Prior to this week, 33,796 tons of contaminated soil from the three communities have been sent to an appropriate landfill.  

Community outreach:

EPA continues to meet with property owners at the Command Post or at their respective properties to answer questions regarding the pending excavation efforts and respond to their concerns.  

Air monitoring:

START continues to monitor site conditions including air monitoring and sampling as well as removal documentation and soil profiling as directed by the OSC.  Air sampling has included periodic personnel air sampling on a representative ground technician and an excavator operator.  To date, air monitoring indicates all operations are well controlled and have minimized blowing dusts.