An on-going investigation by the Department of Environmental Protection indicates that a residential area adjacent to the former National Torch Tip plant in O’Hara Township and Aspinwall Borough may have been impacted by industrial chemical contamination.

The investigation into the former Torch Tip facility found tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) in soil and groundwater. Testing also shows evidence of indoor air contamination at a vacant property located next door to the former plant.

The extent of the contamination in other nearby buildings will not be known until the investigation is complete. To reduce the buildup of the chemical vapors inside buildings in the vicinity, DEP is proposing to install special systems designed to draw vapors from underneath basement floors.

A public hearing on the cleanup plan will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 26 at the Aspinwall Borough building, 217 Commercial Avenue, Aspinwall, Allegheny County. At the meeting, DEP personnel will outline the investigation and the mitigation plan.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide testimony at the hearing.  Those wishing to make comments should register in writing with Community Relations Coordinator, John Poister in care of DEP’s Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or by phone at 412-442-4203  before noon on the day of the hearing. There will also be an opportunity to register on-site the evening of the hearing.

Those unable to attend the hearing should submit written comments to Edward Litwin, Project Manager, Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. The public comment period for the cleanup plan will close August 9.

Under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, DEP has been conducting on-going soil, air and groundwater sampling since 2011. 

6/16/2014