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EPA Proposes to add Hidden Lane Landfill Site in Va. to Superfund List

Release Date: 9/19/2007
Contact Information: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548, sternberg.david@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (September 19, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the addition of the Hidden Lane Landfill site to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The site is located in Sterling, Loudoun County, Va., approximately ¾ miles north of Route 7.

The NPL is a national list of sites where hazardous contaminants could impact public health and/or the environment. NPL sites undergo a thorough investigation to determine the full nature and extent of the contamination. EPA or the parties responsible for the contamination will then address whatever risks the site poses to human health or the environment.

Once a site is proposed for inclusion on the NPL, there is a 60-day comment period. A final decision on listing will be made after EPA has evaluated and responded to all the public comments in writing. Today EPA is adding seven new sites to the NPL nationally, and proposing the addition of 12 more, including Hidden Lane Landfill.

The Hidden Lane Landfill site was an operating landfill from 1971 through 1984. The 25-acre landfill accepted solid municipal waste and construction debris. In 1985, the landfill was covered with a clay cap. It is currently vacant land.

The contaminants of concern are volatile organic compounds including trichloroethene (TCE) an industrial solvent and probable human carcinogen. Concentrations of TCE exceeding federal drinking water standards were found in nine drinking water wells located within one mile of the landfill.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has installed treatment systems at 22 of the residential wells that are known to be contaminated. The Loudoun County Department of Health is strongly advising other residents located in the vicinity to install whole-house water treatment systems.

For more Information about Superfund sites nationally go to: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/npl.htm