Learn the Issues
-
If EPA determined there is enough contamination in the creek and wetland to warrant further aquatic studies for fish and turtles, why would this not be a health concern for children and adults who swim or fish in the creeks?
Surface water and sediment data from Muckinipattis and Darby Creek were compared to EPA’s human health screening levels and all contaminants were below screening. Aquatic organisms show adverse effects from exposure to contaminants more readily than humans because these organisms have 24-hour direct contact with contaminated media (soil, surface water…
-
What specific protocols did EPA follow in making its recommendation not to proceed with an NPL listing for the Norwood Landfill site? When were these protocols last updated?
EPA applies the Hazard Ranking System (“HRS”) to information collected at each stage of Site Assessment for determining the priority of a site. The HRS is what guides EPA in deciding as to whether a site qualifies for inclusion on the National Priorities List. However, there are other factors that…
-
Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA)
The Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) provides DEP with the funding and authority to conduct cleanup actions at sites where hazardous substances have been released. HSCA also provides DEP with enforcement authority to force the persons who are responsible for releases of hazardous substances to conduct cleanup actions or to…
-
EPA says that 5 residential properties tested “high” for Chromium and that further tests are needed to determine what type of chromium is present on these properties. Did EPA test the adjoining properties to see if they have chromium as well?
If the properties on either side of the subject property participated in the sampling, EPA analyzed the soil for total chromium. The five properties where EPA found a potential risk due to chromium were isolated, randomly distributed, and not adjacent to one another, therefore there is no indication that the…
-
EPA stated that concentrations of chromium found on residential properties were consistent with what is typically found in urban areas - like Norwood - however, the PA DEP does not differentiate between residential, non-residential, or site-specific standards for acceptable concentrations. Therefore, the question posed was: were these concentrations compared to residential MSCs?
EPA compared all soil data to its residential risk-based screening levels in both residential and non-residential parts of the site.
-
What are the highest concentrations detected of total chromium and was Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) conducted on any samples that exhibited elevated concentrations?
The highest total chromium concentrations detected were as follows: Old Norwood Dump: 389 ppm (surface soil); 37.4 ppm (sub-surface soil) Norwood Landfill: 234 ppm (surface soil) Winona Homes: 366 ppm (surface soil) TCLP was not performed on any of the samples EPA collected. This is a procedure for determining a…
-
What type of Chromium was found on residential properties?
EPA sampling only quantified “total chromium” and did not specify which types and amount of chromium are in soil on residential properties. EPA performed follow-up sampling at five properties on December 15, 2021 to determine the type and amount of chromium in the soil. When available, EPA will post the…
-
There was confusion about what values for chromium were presented in the ESI report. The ATSDR representative stated that the values displayed in the current report were for “total chromium.”
Yes, EPA’s analysis for inorganic metal only quantified “total chromium” and did not specify a quantity of trivalent chromium or hexavalent chromium. A separate analysis is required to determine the amount of these types of chromium in soil.
-
I cannot grow grass in my yard - is this due to contamination from the landfill?
There are many reasons why grass may not grow in certain areas including poor soil nutrients, soil pH, improper seeding, and/or improper soil aeration. Requesting a consultation with a lawn service company could help identify a program to help grass development and growth.
-
Can Norwood residents safely garden and eat produce from these gardens - or could the soils be contaminated? Sometimes we dig down into the soil a few feet to plant our vegetables is that OK to do and can we eat vegetables if we dug down this deep?
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…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 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…