Mid-Atlantic Superfund

EPA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic)

Pennsylvania
Montgomery County
Ambler

EPA ID# PAD981034887

13th Congressional District

Last Update: November 2009

Other Names

Borit Asbestos

Current Site Status

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency added the BoRit Asbestos Site to its National Priorities List on April 9, 2009. The Site is now eligible for further cleanup through the federal Superfund program.

Site Description

The BoRit Asbestos site was used to dispose of asbestos-containing material which came from a nearby asbestos manufacturing plant from the 1930's to the 1970's. The Site is divided into three parcels: an asbestos waste pile owned by Kane-Core, Inc.; a reservoir owned by the Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve; and a former park/playground owned by Whitpain Township. The waste pile, estimated to contain 149,500 cubic yards over six acres, is about 25 feet above ground surface. The berm of the 15-acres reservoir was constructed of asbestos shingles, millboard, and soil. Asbestos product waste, such as piping and tiles, is visible surrounding the reservoir and the banks of the three adjacent bodies of water. The third disposal area, which covers about 11 acres, was leveled, and eventually used as a park/playground. In the mid-1980's, the area was fenced due to asbestos contamination.

Site Responsibility

The BoRit Asbestos site was proposed to the National Priorities List in September 2008. EPA is currently conducting a removal action at the site to stabilize the asbestos piles and the nearby stream banks.

NPL Listing History

The Site was proposed for inclusion on the NPL in September 2008. It was added to the NPL on April 9, 2009.

Threats and Contaminants

Asbestos is the contaminant of concern. Asbestos is present in surface soils onsite and can been seen eroding into the nearby creeks. Also, asbestos fibers were found in air monitors located near the site above background levels.

Cleanup Progress

EPA is currently conducting a removal action at the site to stabilize the asbestos piles and the nearby stream banks. Current information on the removal activities can be found at EPA's On-Scene Cooridnator website. The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) began in November 2009. The first phase of field work, which includes surface water, sediment, soil, and waste sampling, is expected to run through January 2010.

Contacts

Site Contacts