Learn the Issues
-
Has there been any flood modeling done to see if surface runoff/groundwater from the landfill or the Old Norwood Dump migrates away from these areas during heavy rainfall or flood events? Does the water end up in the basements of residences? or in the watershed?
EPA did not perform specific flood modeling in the landfill or dump areas. EPA did review FEMA Flood Frequency maps and data for this section of Darby Creek and did not find any residential area to fall within FEMA designated “Special Flood Hazard Areas.” Portions of the Norwood Landfill do…
-
Did EPA dig down deep enough in all the residential properties tested to ensure that people with basements that routinely flood were adequately tested? For example, did EPA test below 12 feet deep in homes where basements are 12-14 feet below ground level and where flooding regularly occurs? Some people routinely get water in their basements and many residential properties have “French drains.” Also did EPA test to see if any water found in residential basement areas was contaminated?
EPA advanced soil borings as deep as 10 feet below ground surface, which is deep enough to reach the average depth of basement foundations. EPA did not test soil at depths greater than 10-feet, as there is a very low likelihood that persons will come into contact with soil at…
-
Will EPA be testing water from an underground stream that flows beneath some homes in the Norwood area?
EPA will not be conducting additional sub-surface sampling at this time based on the results presented at the December 2021 meeting. Results of the groundwater sampling EPA performed in and around the Winona Homes neighborhood did not reveal volatile organic compounds in groundwater that could potentially cause a vapor intrusion…
-
If there is a significant increase in disease in the community moving forward, what should people do now that EPA has decided not to list the Norwood Landfill as a Superfund site?
If new information on a potential source of contamination is identified, citizens are encouraged to contact EPA to share that information. Representatives of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) remain available to answer health-related questions and discuss data on health…
-
Is the Muckinipattis Wastewater Treatment Plant an area of potential concern for area residents [i.e., any potential pathways of exposure] based on previous “dangerous” disposal practices at this facility? Do you believe sampling is necessary at this facility?
The area of the present day DELCORA Pumping Station is believed to historically been used for the drying of sewage sludge generated at the former Muckinipattis Wastewater Treatment plant, based on historic newspaper articles and aerial photography. This area is now fenced off to prevent access to the Pumping Station…
-
Were park areas sampled where residents take their children to play in Norwood?
In 2020, EPA collected samples in Norwood Park from the baseball field, near the youth soccer fields, near basketball courts (in 2017), and in a grassy area with no designated athletic use. None of these areas revealed contaminant concentrations at levels which could pose a risk to human health.
-
What about results from the Tasker and Lee homes?
EPA conducted outreach to homes along Tasker Ave. and Lee Road to encourage participation in the Fall 2020 sampling events. All property owners who participated in the sampling events, including those who live along Tasker Ave. and Lee Road, received their individual residential sampling results via mail.
-
Did EPA do any testing or risk analysis/evaluation related to household “pets” - particularly for households that have pets diagnosed with cancers and other medical disorders?
No, the soil results show typical concentrations of substances that would be found on residential properties across the country.
-
What does it mean if I live in an area with “chlordane” and it is a “red” area?
The “red” area on your sampling results table likely means that there is three times the amount of chlordane found here compared to the background sampling data. This result likely reflects historic pesticide application to a home. Chlordane can be found in soil more than 20-30 years after pesticide application.
-
What about people who work in their yards regularly - are they at risk?
It is safe to play, garden, and grow fruits and vegetables in your yard. Please keep in mind, current research recommends hand washing after play or contact with urban soils where concentrations of contaminants maybe higher than soils in rural areas. In addition, all fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly…
-
Is it safe for children to play outside in residential yards?
It is safe for children to play outside in the yards of Norwood residents. Please keep in mind, current research recommends hand washing after play or contact with urban soils where concentrations of contaminants maybe higher than soils in rural areas. Older homes with lead-based paint may have contributed to…
-
Does EPA have any data or test results on Norwood School to discuss?
EPA has not collected any samples at the school, therefore there is no data to share or discuss.
-
Has EPA determined there is no vapor intrusion occurring in homes in Norwood from contaminated groundwater throughout the Norwood area?
EPA has sampled shallow groundwater from points in and around Winona Homes and has not found evidence of volatile organic compounds in groundwater that could cause a vapor intrusion condition to indoor air in homes.
-
Southern Appalachians Ecoregion - National Rivers and Streams Assessment Results
NLA 2012 Results for the Southern Appalachians ecoregion
-
National Rivers & Streams Assessment 2013-14 Site Evaluation Guidelines
The Site Evaluation Guidelines for the NRSA 2013/14
-
National Coastal Condition Assessment 2015 Field Operations Manual
National Coastal Condition Assessment 2015 Field Operations Manual
-
National Lakes Assessment 2007 Technical Appendix
National Lakes Assessment 2007 Technical Appendix
-
National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2008-2009 Fact Sheet
PDF of the NRSA 2008-2009 fact sheet
-
National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013-2014 Results
Results for the National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2013-14, including key findings, national results, and ecoregional results,
-
Ecoregions used in the National Aquatic Resource Surveys
Land cover descriptions of each of the nine aggregate III ecoregions for NLA and NRSA