Tybouts Corner Landfill

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) developed this fact sheet to update you on the Tybouts Corner Superfund Site in Bear, Delaware.

EPA'S RESPONSE TO 1996 GAS RELEASE

In October 1996, EPA found methane gas along the edge of the Tybouts Corner Landfill and in the sub-surface soils across Red Lion Road, next to the Rutledge Development. Apparently, gas from the landfill was moving through the sub-surface soil outside the landfill near the Rutledge Development.

In response, the potentially responsible parties (PRPs) installed a gas venting system along the edge of the landfill to control the release of methane gas. The gas venting system consists of 38 gas vents and 3 blowers. In addition, the PRPs installed combustible gas indicators with alarms in the basements of some homes and began a monthly monitoring program.

EPA'S RESPONSE TO AUGUST GAS ALARM

Although the new system prevented further gas releases, EPA and the PRPs still detected a pocket of gas in the open space of the Rutledge Development on the northeast corner of Plantation Avenue and Red Lion Road.

On the evening of August 20, 1997, a combustible gas indicator sounded an alarm in one of the homes near the pocket of gas. The home was opened to allow the release of gas. However, low levels of combustible gas were still detected in the basement sump. To prevent more gas from entering the basement, the PRPs installed a blower to pull the gases from the sump. Since the installation, there has not been any further evidence of gas in the house.

EPA CONTINUES GAS RELEASE INVESTIGATION

In September 1997, the PRPs began a study to locate the possible sources and pathways of gas from the site. As part of the investigation, they installed gas-monitoring points along the north side of Red Lion Road and in the open space near Plantation Avenue. They also installed six additional gas vents and connected them to the landfill's gas venting system.

In October 1997, a mixture of tree and wood waste was removed from the open space on Plantation Avenue. It is possible that this waste may have contributed to the elevated levels of gas. Data from the investigation should determine if the pocket of gas has been eliminated.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The PRPs will continue to study the sources and movement of gas from the landfill. Air samples were collected from all the vents and exhaust points on the landfill. This data is being incorporated into a computer air program called an air model. This air model will help determine the impact of any landfill gas releases on nearby residents.

Additionally, the PRPs will prepare a report describing their study of the sources and movements of the landfill gas. EPA will review these reports and will use them to determine the best long-term clean-up methods for the site. EPA will hold a public meeting to discuss the results of the sub-surface gas migration and the results of the air model with the community. In order to minimize conflict with the community's holiday schedules, EPA anticipates holding the meeting in January.

GLOSSARY

Methane: gas is a colorless, nonpoisonous, flammable gas that occurs naturally in the environment. Methane is produced when waste in a landfill starts to rot or decay
PRPs: are individuals or companies that have contaminated Superfund sites. Whenever possible, through administrative and legal actions, EPA requires PRPs to clean up the site that they contaminated
Gas venting system: consists of a series of perforated pipes connecting to a fan. It pulls the gas from beneath the surface to the atmosphere
Combustible gas indicators: are similar to household smoke detectors, except they detect high levels of flammable gases

INFORMATION REPOSITORY

The Administrative Record File is an official collection of reports, letters, and other documents that EPA uses to make decisions about Superfund sites. You can review the Administrative Record File for the Tybouts Corner Site at the following location:

DNREC
715 Grantham Lane
New Castle, DE 19720
302-323-4540
Contact: John Gysling

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have questions about Tybouts Corner or the Superfund process, please contact the following representatives:

Kate Lose
(3HW23)
Remedial Project Manager
U.S. EPA, Region III
1650 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
800-438-2474 or
215-814-3240
lose.kate@epa.gov

Felicia Dailey
(3HW43)
Community Involvement Coordinator
U.S. EPA, Region III
1650 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
800-553-2509 or
215-814-5524
dailey.felicia@epa.gov

John Gysling
Project Officer
NREC
715 Grantham Lane
New Castle, DE 19720
302-323-4540

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