EPA test results received

Shohola stockpile still contaminated

By SANDY LONG

SHOHOLA and LACKAWAXEN TOWNSHIPS, PA — At its surface, PennDOT’s former Shohola stockpile #6 on Route 6 appears to be free of the many forms of debris and contaminants previously stored there. But underneath the freshly-seeded facade lurks lingering evidence of 40 years of dumping.

According to recent results of soil and water testing performed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April 2008, a variety of chemicals remain at the site.

Allegations that the herbicide and defoliant Agent Orange was buried there were not corroborated in the EPA findings. In its recently released findings, EPA contractor Tetra Tech EM, Inc., reports that, “No herbicides were detected in any sample.”

The lengthy document goes on to note the presence of Methylene Chloride (2.1 micrograms per kilogram), a Volatile Organic Compound monitored by the EPA, though this level is similar to that reported in laboratory blanks. The presence of Semivolatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) and various metals was also documented.

Measured in micrograms per kilogram, the site contains multiple SVOC’s such as Pyrene (18,000+), Fluoranthene (16,000+) and Chrysene (10,000+).

Measured in milligrams per kilogram, the site also contains multiple metals such as Aluminum (252,000), Iron (267,000) and Barium (2,140).

According to EPA on-scene coordinator Richard Fetzer, the test results are being reviewed by both the EPA and the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to determine whether any further action should be taken.

“All contaminants will be reviewed against reference concentrations by both EPA and PADEP,” noted Fetzer. “The Semivolatile Organic Compounds concentrations would be of greatest concern to EPA. These compounds are most likely the result of storage of treated lumber.”

A decision has not yet been made regarding whether the EPA or the PADEP will take the lead for future environmental decisions at the site. Fetzer said that decisions regarding possible cleanup activities will be made by that lead agency.

The site is currently in the Removal Investigation phase of the EPA’s Superfund program, according to Fetzer.

“Depending upon what EPA and PADEP decide with regard to who will be the lead agency will determine whether the site progresses into any part of EPA’s cleanup phases,” he said.

The 9.66-acre property was leased by PennDOT from the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) for the past 40 years.

According to PennDOT’s community relations coordinator Karen Dussinger, the agency’s completed investigation report is available at its District 4-0 office in Dunmore, as well as through the EPA and PADEP.

Total costs of the cleanup so far are approximately $650,000.

Visit www.epaosc.net/site_profile.asp?site_id=3966%20 to view the most current EPA information.