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EPA Takes Superfund Action on Lead Contaminated Yards in Brisas Del Rosario with Support from ATSDR, EQB and Local Government

Release Date: 01/15/1998
Contact Information:

(#98005) SAN JUAN, P.R.-- The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin work next month at approximately 45 properties in the community of Brisas del Rosario, in the Rio Abajo Ward to reduce a long-term public health risk from lead contaminated soils to the residents, especially children. The project is being financed under the federal Superfund program.

Since 1996, local and federal agencies have been working together to evaluate the test results of soil, water, fruit and vegetables grown in the community of Brisas del Rosario. Results from extensive sampling done in the community show that drinking water meets federal standards and homegrown fruits and vegetables are safe to eat with washing. However, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recently completed a Health Consultation based on the test results and concluded that long-term exposure to lead levels in soils above 400 parts per million (ppm) should be prevented to eliminate a public health risk to children. There is no short-term public health threat to the residents of Brisas del Rosario. However, children and especially pre-school children can experience long-term health effects when they are exposed to lead above certain levels in small amounts by accidentally swallowing soil and dust that clings to their hands.

"We are proceeding in close coordination with the Environmental Quality Board, ATSDR and Vega Baja Mayor Luis Melendez Cano using our fast-track response ability under the Superfund Removal program," EPA Regional Administrator Jeanne M. Fox said.

This week teams of EPA, ATSDR and EQB experts are visiting with the residents to explain what the work will involve. This is an interim action. EPA will undertake further investigations and studies to determine if a more comprehensive, long-term cleanup is necessary.

"This situation in Vega Baja illustrates exactly why a strong federal Superfund program is so important. Without it, communities would have nowhere to turn in dealing with this type of environmental problem where children's health is threatened," Ms. Fox pointed out.

EPA will conduct work activities in stages, including additional sampling, engineering and actual placement of covers. EQB has completed soil testing at approximately 137 properties in Brisas del Rosario and 45 of those properties contain soil with lead levels above above 400 ppm.

EPA will cover the properties of concern with various types of protective layers (i.e., soil, sod, stone and other protective covers) to reduce the potential for exposure to lead contaminated soil through direct contact. The type of cover will vary as necessary for each property. Some properties will first require that large debris (i.e. automobiles, washing machines, etc.) be removed.

During the work activities, dust will be monitored at all times to gather readings of any potential air-borne contaminants. In order to minimize dust, water will be available to moisten the contaminated soils as necessary. Residential doorways, windows and other openings will be covered with plastic as necessary to prevent dust from entering the homes. EPA, EQB and the municipality will work closely with the residents of each property to address all their individual concerns and to minimize any possible inconveniences during the project.

EPA, ATSDR and EQB experts will be available to discuss details of the work activities and test results at specific properties with residents at a public availability session on Thursday, January 15, any time from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Catholic Chapel, Capilla Rio Abajo.

Background:

The Vega Baja Solid Waste Disposal Site is an inactive, unlined, uncapped, 15-acre landfill. The site was operated as a landfill by the Vega Baja Municipality from 1948 to 1979. Commercial, industrial, and domestic wastes were dumped and/or opened burned at the Site.

For more information contact:
Rich Cahill, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3666 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: cahill.richard@epamail.epa.gov