Excavation of Shohola stockpile ends

By SANDY LONG

SHOHOLA, PA — The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded its excavation of PennDOT’s former stockpile site in Shohola recently. Nothing unusual was unearthed during the process, but soil and water test results will not become available until mid-May.

According to EPA on-scene coordinator Richard Fetzer, approximately 17 sites throughout the property were excavated, producing a half-full drum of tar, seven tar blocks, tires and an assortment of items similar to those removed by PennDOT during its cleanup activities last summer.

Due to allegations that the pesticide and herbicide Agent Orange was buried at the site, workers wore Level B protective gear during the process. According to Fetzer, findings so far have been limited to “very low levels of solvents” detected during air sampling.

The next phase of the investigation will be determined once soil and water sample results are received. For more information, visit www.epaosc.net/site_profile.asp?site_id=3966%20.