On July 22 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to add a site contaminated with arsenic, copper and lead in Heidelberg Township, Berks County to the federal Superfund National Priorities List.

The site, also known as the Ryeland Road Arsenic site, is approximately 7.33 acres in size and is currently occupied by several residential properties. Arsenic, copper, and lead contamination was detected in surface soils on these properties, with arsenic levels exceeding health-based benchmarks, and in nearby surface waters. Copper and lead were also found in residential drinking water wells at levels exceeding health-based benchmarks.

This site was one of nine EPA proposed to add to the Superfund List based on various factors including: risk to human health and the environment; the response urgency needed; maintenance of a strong enforcement program; leverage of other cleanups; and program management and resource considerations.

Nationally, more than 70 percent of all Superfund sites are cleaned up by those responsible for the pollution; even when EPA has to fund cleanup, the Agency works to get reimbursed from polluters under its cost recovery program. Since the beginning of the Superfund program, more than $22 billion in cleanup commitments and funding have been provided by the parties responsible for toxic waste sites.

7/23/2004