Mid-Atlantic Superfund

EPA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic)

Pennsylvania
Berks County
Worman

EPA ID# PAD002360444

17th Congressional District

Last Update: November 2009

Other Names

None

Current Site Status

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed construction of the groundwater pump and treat system in September 1998. This system, which is cleaning the groundwater at the Cryochem site, has been in permanent operation since early 2000. The site contaminants of concern are: 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, vinyl chloride and 1,1,1-dichloroethene. Of the 28 residences and businesses initially monitored in the sampling program, only 12 remain due to contaminant levels still above the maximum allowed under the Safe Drinking Water Act. A site-wide assessment to determine how well the pump and treat remediation system is working was completed in September 2003. A Five-Year Review Report to assess whether the remedy at the Site was protective of human health and the environment was completed in September 2008. As a result of the Five-Year Review, a study will be performed to evaluate whether or not vapor intrusion is an issue at the Site. Also, the need for institutional controls will be evaluated. Follow-up activities as a result of a 2004 Optimization Evaluation were implemented, including the completion of well geophysics on six monitoring wells and groundwater modeling to refine the understanding of the groundwater plume. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has assumed all operation and maintenance responsibilities of the groundwater extraction and treatment system as of May 29, 2008. EPA continues to monitor individual resident groundwater treatment systems twice a year.

Site Description

The 19-acre site, located in Earl Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, has operated as a metals fabrication facility since 1962. The facility is composed of several production and storage buildings and an office complex located in the lower part of the property. The company uses solvents to clean finished metal parts, and any excess solvent is collected in shop drains. Prior to 1982, an organic solvent was used to remove a dye that was applied to welded connections to check for weld integrity. Excess solvent was placed in the shop drain system, which discharged into nearby surface waters that lead to Manatawny Creek. There are numerous residences within 1/4-mile of the site. The population within a three-mile radius is over 1,100 and is dependent on ground water as a drinking water supply. A series of environmental samples collected between 1981 and 1985 found organic chemicals in an on-site production well and in nearby residential wells. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from former solvent disposal practices are the chemicals of concern.

Site Responsibility

A portion of this site is being addressed through federal action. Another portion of the site is being managed by PADEP.

NPL Listing History

Our country’s most serious, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites can be cleaned using federal money. To be eligible for federal cleanup money, a site must be put on the National Priorities List (NPL). This site was proposed to the NPL on June 10, 1986, and formally added to the list on October 4, 1989.

Threats and Contaminants

Ground water is contaminated with various VOCs from former solvent disposal practices, such as: 1) 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA); 2) 1,1-dichloroethane (DCA); 3) tetrachloroethene (PCE); 4) trichloroethene (TCE); 5) 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE), and 6) vinyl chloride; a degradation product. VOCs also were detected in waters that lead to Manatawny Creek and a tributary to Ironstone Creek. Exposure to contaminated ground water, surface water, and sediments through direct contact or accidental ingestion poses potential risks to individuals. Some residential wells were impacted by the contamination and were subsequently equipped with carbon filter treatment systems.

Contaminant descriptions and risk factors are available from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an arm of the CDC.

Cleanup Progress

OU1: Residential Drinking Water - The Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs), CryoChem, Incorporated, C.S. Garber & Sons, Incorporated, and the former owners and operators of CryoChem, Incorporated, were issued a Consent Order in February 1988, to determine the extent of the contamination and to identify alternative cleanup technologies. In 1987, carbon units were installed at 19 homes with wells exceeding acceptable drinking water standards. Some residents have opted to buy bottled water or filtered tap water at their own expense. Other homes were added to this initial installation, bringing the total to 28. As of 2009, 12 residents still remain on the carbon filtration systems. Public request resulted in EPA re-evaluating the initial remedy of providing an alternate water supply through extension of the public water lines. EPA determined in September 1989 that installing and maintaining carbon treatment systems in affected homes would adequately achieve cleanup goals. In September 1996, EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order to C.S. Garber & Sons, Incorporated, for the operation and maintenance of the carbon treatment systems. A Consent Decree for the residences was entered into the courts in December 2002 which allowed the PRP's to make a cash payment to resolve its alleged civil liability with regard to the Site. Upon signature of that Consent Decree and receipt of the money, EPA assumed responsibility of the remedial actions for the residences. Currently, 12 home well water treatment systems are maintained by the EPA and sampled twice a year.

OU2: Groundwater - In September 1990, EPA selected an additional remedy which involves pumping and treating ground water by air stripping and surface discharge. The Remedial Design for the selected remedy was completed in September 1996. Construction of the remedy was completed in September 1998 and as of May 2008, all future operation and maintenance responsibilities were assumed by the PADEP. Ongoing monitoring is being conducted to ensure that air and stream standards are being met and to assist in tracking the contaminant levels in the groundwater.

OU3: Soil - In September 1991, EPA selected a cleanup remedy which would provide for soil vapor extraction in the contaminated area. Soil sampling conducted during the design of this treatment system found that contamination levels were non-detectable and 'no further action' was required.

Contacts

Site Contacts

Administrative Record Locations