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Ecosystem Tools & Resources

A suite of tools, models, and other resource to help people better understand and protect ecosystems and ecosystem services.

Wetland Program Development Grants - Category Definitions

Wetlands Program Development Grants Project Category Definitions

EPA conducts a Site Investigation to determine whether the potential threat or threats identified actually exist. The Site Investigation includes the collection of environmental samples from areas identified that have potential to contain hazardous substances or from areas where hazardous substances are present. The Site Investigation also determines whether hazardous…

Last published: September 26, 2024

What is the difference between EPA’s Removal Action at the site from 2020 to 2022 and the current Study Area?

EPA’s Removal Action from 2020 to 2022 was a quick response to immediate threats from hazardous substances at the former Erie Coke facility to eliminate dangers to the public. During this time, EPA’s Removal team focused on sampling surface soils, coal, and coke residuals for hazardous substances, removing and properly…

Last published: September 26, 2024

Could contaminants from the former coke facility leach into the groundwater from the soil?

There is low potential for drinking water contamination because no one in the surrounding community is using groundwater as a drinking water source. Drinking water intakes for the City of Erie are from Lake Erie miles out into the lake, far west of the site. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental…

Last published: September 26, 2024

Documents, Reports and Photographs for Andritz Incorporated in Muncy, Pennsylvania

RCRA Corrective Action Andritz Inc. , Muncy PA, Documents and Reports

Why is EPA beginning a site investigation in 2024 when the Erie Coke facility existed for many decades in the past?

The Coke Facility was a permanent, operating facility from 1925 to 2019. The EPA Superfund Program does not investigate operating facilities. After the facility closed in 2019, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) requested assistance from EPA's Removal Program to conduct assessment activities at the Erie Coke Site. Based…

Last published: September 26, 2024

Is EPA focusing only on potential contamination from the former Erie Coke facility?

EPA will focus on contaminants that potentially came from historic air emissions from the former Erie Coke facility. These contaminants include Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and inorganic metals.

Last published: September 26, 2024

What is the geographic definition of the East Avenue Study Area?

The Study Area is bordered to the north by East Bay Drive, Erie Coke facility, and Lake Erie; to the south by East 3rd Street and residential neighborhoods; to the east by Hess Avenue and residential neighborhoods; and to the west by East Bayfront Parkway. The Study Area does not…

Last published: September 26, 2024

Domestic Septage Regulatory Guidance: A Guide to the EPA 503 Rule

Agricultural Land, Forests, and Reclamation Sites; Discussed in Relationship to Existing State Rules and Other Federal Regulations of Septage

Biosolids Recycling: Beneficial Technology for a Better Environment

This booklet briefly discusses important aspects of the Part 503 Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge

Retrospective Case Study in Killdeer, North Dakota

This study site was chosen at the request of the state to specifically examine any water resource impacts from a well blowout in September 2010 that resulted in an uncontrolled release of hydraulic fracturing fluids and formation fluids.