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VANDERBURGH COUNTY
EVANSVILLE
Congressional District # 08
JACOBSVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD SOIL CONTAMINATION
EPA ID# INN000508142Last Updated: April, 2008
Site Description
The Jacobsville Neighborhood Soil Contamination Site is a Superfund Site located in Evansville, Indiana. The site is divided into two phases, or operable units, and encompasses a larger area than just the Jacobsville Neighborhood of Evansville. The first operable unit (OU1) is roughly bounded by the Lloyd Expressway (State Highway 62) to the south, Mary Street to the west, Iowa Street to the north, and Elliot Street to the east. OU1 encompasses 141 acres, including 508 residential properties. The second operable unit (OU2) extends outward from OU1 consistent with the wind patterns for the City of Evansville, and covers approximately 4.5 square miles. Because the lead and arsenic levels found in the soil in OU1 are higher than the lead and arsenic levels found in the soil in OU2, OU1 will be the first area that will be cleaned up under the Superfund Program. The OU1 area formerly contained several manufacturing companies which utilized lead. The operations of these companies date back as far as the 1880s.
The site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) on July 22, 2004.
Site Responsibility
This site is being addressed through federal and state actions.
Threats and Contaminants
Lead levels above the site cleanup level of 400 parts per million (ppm) were found in residential soils in both OU1 and OU2 for the Jacobsville Neighborhood Soil Contamination Site. Lead is harmful to people because it can cause high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain. Exposure to lead is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as lead can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or miscarriage. Children are also at risk because they are more likely to swallow dirt that contains lead, and they are more sensitive to the effects of lead. Lead exposure in children has been shown to decrease IQ scores, slow growth and cause hearing problems.
Arsenic levels above the site cleanup level of 30 ppm have been found at a handful of properties contained in the Jacobsville Neighborhood Soil Contamination Site. Exposure to low levels of arsenic can cause nausea and vomitting, damage to blood vessels, and a sensation of "pins and needles" in hands and feet. Ingesting or breathing low levels of arsenic for a long time can cause a darkening of the skin and the appearance of small corns or warts on the palms, soles, and torso. Skin contact with arsenic may cause redness and swelling. Several studies have shown that exposure to high levels of arsenic can increase the risk of several types of cancer.
Cleanup Progress
The U.S. EPA has done six rounds of sampling to determine how far the lead contamination extends. A Remedial Investigation report for the entire site was completed in September 2006, and a Feasibility Study report for OU1 was completed in January 2007. A bioavailability study, or a study of how much of the lead at the site is absorbed by humans, was completed in January 2008. The reports explain the contamination and the risk it poses, as well as possible ways to clean up the site. The comment period, where the local community, local governments, and stakeholders have the opportunity to comment on U.S. EPA's preferred cleanup plan for the OU1 area, ended on February 28, 2007. The remedy U.S. EPA plans to implement is to excavate the contaminated soils at residential properties and restore the properties to original conditions. A Record of Decision was signed on February 14, 2008, that documents the selected cleanup action and makes the site eligible for funds to begin the cleanup. The U.S. EPA is planning to start the cleanup in Spring 2009.
A Feasibility Study report for OU2 is scheduled for completion in Summer of 2008, and once the report is completed a public meeting and comment period will be held by the U.S. EPA to explain the U.S. EPA's preferred method of cleanup for this larger area. A Record of Decision will then be issued to document the chosen cleanup method for OU2.
In the meantime, a Superfund removal action took place from September 2007 through April 2008 that cleaned 83 residential properties that had lead levels in the soil above 1200 ppm.
Community Involvement
A Community Involvement Plan has been created and is available to the public at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, Central Branch. The U.S. EPA has held many public meetings and information sessions since the site was listed on the NPL.Congressional Interest
There has been interest on this site by the U.S. Congressman and both U.S Senators that represent Indiana.
Aliases
JACOBSVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD SOIL CONT.NEWTON KELSAY (FORMER)
BLOUNT PLOW WORKS (FORMER)
SHARPE SHOT WORKS (FORMER)
ADVANCE STOVE WORKS (FORMER)
JACKSONVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD SOIL CONTAMINATION