The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will conduct a routine inspection of the Ambler Asbestos Piles Superfund Site in Ambler, Beaver County on December 7 using a drone mounted with a camera.

This is the first time that the agency is using drone technology to inspect areas of the piles that are difficult to access on foot. The images taken by the drone will be used by EPA to determine if the remedy at the site continues to be protective of human health and the environment. 

The drone will be limited to flying over the Superfund Site only, and will not fly over or photograph private property.  The Site, about twenty-five acres, is bordered on the west by Wissahickon Creek; on the northwest by Butler Pike; on the north by Locust Street; and on the southeast by Church Street.

The inspection will be conducted on Monday, December 7, and the drone is expected to take photos between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  The camera is owned, and operated by, the US Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District.  The drone is approximately two feet long and one foot high with a two-foot wingspan, and is silver-white in color. 

EPA will conduct outreach to nearby residents on December 1 to help answer any questions or concerns.

For more information, visit EPA’s Ambler Asbestos Piles Superfund Site webpage.

12/7/2015