EPA Plans More Superfund Site Testing

Contaminants are present in homes around a former Superfund site, but have not "affected" any of its occupants, according to an Environmental Protection Agency representative.

Still, Alexander Mandell, EPA community involvement coordinator told the Hatboro Borough Council on Monday night that EPA hopes to install five shallow groundwater wells by spring in the area surrounding the former Raymark property, which was situated on Jacksonville Road. The purpose, he said is to "see if there’s any of these chemicals in it."

"We looked at 13 homes earlier this year and investigated for vapor intrusion," Mandell said. "In just about all the homes we saw very low concentrations of vapor intrusion ... They did not require for the EPA to do further mitigation."

A vapor intrusion study involves testing to determine if vapors had moved from the soil to inside structures, EPA officials said previously.

The upcoming groundwater wells and testing will determine if EPA needs to carry out more home testing, Mandell said. In addition, he said EPA wants to get more information to see if there's any fluctuation regarding where groundwater is flowing. 

"We’re finding something in these homes," Mandell said. "Even though it’s low concentration, we need to get it out completely."

EPA officials told Hatboro elected officials and residents in July 2011 that there was no "immediate risk" from groundwater contamination near the former metal fabrication business. Tricholorethene, or TCE, was first detected in the site’s groundwater in 1979. By 1983 it was placed on the national priority list, making it eligible for federal cleanup.

Hatboro resident Ed Henry, one of the 13 homeowners whose property was tested, asked if the testing and subsequent results would need to be shared in the event of a home sale.

"Does it have to be disclosed that the house was tested?" Henry asked. "They should have a right to know."

A borough attorney said her firm, which also handles real estate matters, always advises to include that type of information in the seller's disclosure. 

"We always counsel clients to put everything down," she said.