The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week proposed the addition of the Borit Asbestos Site in Ambler, Pa. to the Superfund National Priorities List.

The national priorities list 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 contamination. EPA or the parties responsible for the contamination then address whatever risks the sites pose to human health and the environment.

Once a site has been proposed for inclusion to the NPL, there is a 60-day comment period. A final decision on listing the sites will be made after EPA has evaluated and responded to all the public comments in writing. Nationwide, EPA is proposing to add 11 sites to the Superfund list.

The Borit asbestos site was used to dispose of asbestos-containing material from the 1930s to the 1970s that came from a nearby asbestos-manufacturing plant. The site is divided into three parcels: an asbestos waste pile owned by Kane-Core Inc., a reservoir owned by Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and a former park/playground owned by Whitpain Township.

The waste pile covers approximately two acres of the six-acre parcel, and is about 20 feet above the ground surface. The berm of the 15-acre reservoir was constructed of asbestos shingles, millboard and soil. Asbestos product waste, such as piping and tiles, is visible surrounding the reservoir and stream banks. The third disposal area, which covers about 11 acres, was a depression that was filled and leveled, and eventually used as a park/playground.

In the mid-1980s, the area was fenced due to asbestos contamination.

The site is being considered for the NPL because of the potential exposure of the nearby residential population to airborne asbestos and asbestos contamination along the Wissahickon Creek.

For more information, see the Federal Register Notice.

9/5/2008