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EPA Seeks Public Input on Cleanup Options for Lead-Contaminated Site in Staten Island, N.Y.

Release Date: 03/08/2011
Contact Information: News Media: John Senn, (212) 637-3667, senn.john@epa.gov or Members of the Public: Wanda Ayala, (212) 637-3676, ayala.wanda@epa.gov

(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking input from the public on the options EPA has developed to address lead-contaminated soil from part of the Jewett White Lead site in Staten Island, N.Y. Elevated levels of lead were found throughout the portion of the site at 2000-2012 Richmond Terrace. It is necessary to address the lead-contaminated soil to alleviate threats to human health and the environment. The options were developed in consultation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

“Lead poses serious health risks, especially to children, which makes the cleanup of lead-contaminated soil at the Jewett White Lead site a priority for EPA,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck. “EPA has developed several options for cleaning up the Jewett White Lead site and we encourage members of the public to share their views on the selection of a final cleanup plan.”

A public meeting will be held on March 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the CYO at 120 Anderson Avenue in Staten Island to present the options and EPA’s preferred cleanup method, and to receive public comments. Comments received at the public meeting, as well as written comments, will be taken into consideration in selecting the cleanup option, and will be documented as part of the final decision document, which will formalize the selection of a cleanup approach.

Five cleanup options for addressing the contaminated soil are described in EPA’s Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis for the site. They include:

· Excavating more than 4,200 cubic yards of contaminated soil and replacing it with clean soil;
· Excavating 2,400 cubic yards of contaminated soil and installing several layers of various synthetic and natural materials to “cap” and contain the remaining soil;
· Excavating 500 cubic yards of contaminated soil and paving over the exposed area; and
· Treating the top two feet of contaminated soil and using a concrete additive, which would immobilize the lead and prevent it from leaching into water and other soil; and
· Taking no action, which is an option that EPA is required to consider for any cleanup plan.

EPA’s preferred approach is to excavate more than 4,200 cubic yards of lead-contaminated soil and replace it with clean soil.

A summary of the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis is available on EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/removal/jewettwhitelead/. Copies are also available at the New York Public Library, Port Richmond Branch at 75 Bennett Street, Port Richmond, Staten Island, N.Y. and at EPA’s Edison, N.J. office at 2890 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, N.J. EPA will accept comments that are submitted or postmarked by April 17, 2011.

Written comments on EE/CA can be sent to:
Kimberly Staiger, On-Scene Coordinator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2890 Woodbridge Avenue, MS-211
Edison, NJ 08837
Fax: (732) 906-6182
E-mail: staiger.kimberly@epa.gov

For more information on the Jewett White Lead site, visit https://www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/removal/jewettwhitelead/.

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