EPA Study of Hatboro Superfund Site Underway

The Environmental Protection Agency recently began a series of vapor intrusion studies in Hatboro homes adjacent to the Raymark Superfund site on Jacksonville Road in Hatboro.

Hatboro Borough Manager Fred Zollers told the governing body this week that the testing began last week and will include "additional testing" in the near future. The EPA has sent letters out to other residents to inquire about the possibility of the vapor intrusion study, Zollers said. 

"They have a finite time that they can do it," Zollers said. 

The EPA will come before the council in the next few months to report on its findings, Zollers said.  

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.

The most recent round of tests followed the EPA’s five-year review conducted in 2008, which determined that a vapor intrusion evaluation for volatile organic compounds was necessary for public safety. A vapor intrusion study involves testing to determine if vapors had moved from the soil to inside structures. 

According to an EPA fact sheet, a canister is used to collect samples from outside air and indoor air for a determined period of time. In addition, samples are taken from under the home's foundation; these are called slab, or sub-slab samples. 

Results will then be evaluated to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring, if there are any potential risks and what additional investigation or actions, if any, are needed. EPA will offer an overview of results with property owners and the community during a future update.

EPA offers the following tips to improve indoor air quality:

• Don't buy more chemicals than you need. 
• Store unused chemicals in appropriate containers in well-ventilated areas. 
• Don't make your home too air tight. Fresh air helps prevent chemical build-up and mold growth. 
• Fix all leaks promptly, as well as other moisture problems that encourage mold. 
• Check all appliances and fireplaces annually. 
• Test your home for radon. Test kits are available at hardware and home improvement stores. 
• Install carbon monoxide detectors.