By: Nathan Lamb
Leaks from an old oil field are causing health concerns in California, and officials are hoping to spur quicker cleanup, according to this story from the Los Angeles Times.
The contamination—which includes the carcinogen benzene—was discovered in 2008 beneath Carson city's Carousel tract, which is now a residential area with 285 homes.
Cleanup is being handled jointly by state officials and the Shell Oil Company, and is not expected to get underway until next year.
The declaration of emergency was recently suggested by Carson's mayor, in an effort to spur more immediate action.
Shell has stated there is no immediate threat to public health. The company is currently doing vapor testing at area homes and is putting together a comprehensive cleanup plan.
Residents of the Carousel tract have been told to avoid exposed yard soils and to not eat home-grown fruits or vegetables.
According to a recent report from the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Carousel tract was a tank park used to store crude oil from 1920-1965. The study suggested that cracks and leaks in the concrete basins that contained the oil led to the contamination before the area was redeveloped in the late '60s.
The water control board study also found groundwater pollution in the area and crude oil in one local well, but no evidence of harmful vapors intruding into homes.
Carson is approximately 20 miles north of Los Angeles and has a population of roughly 91,000.
Water Contamination, Land Pollution & Hazardous Waste Material are issues families all across America are afflicted with daily.
Showing posts with label contaminated soil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contaminated soil. Show all posts
Monday, July 29, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Old contaminants shut down Cleveland park
By: Nathan Lamb
Industrial waste dumping from the early 20th century is the primary suspect behind recently discovered contaminants that have shut down a popular city park in Cleveland, according to this story.
The City of Cleveland started renovations on the 12.5-acre W.C. Reed Playfield over the summer, but that plan was put on hold after soil tests discovered elevated levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (or PAHs) on the site.
PAHs are typically a byproduct of petroleum processing or combustion and can be highly carcinogenic at relatively low levels, according to the U.S. Geological Survey website.
The State of Ohio requires remediation of recreation areas where PAHs pose a cancer risk greater than 1 in 100,000. PAH levels at the park are measured at 5 in 100,000, with the primary concern that children could accidentally eat or inhale contaminated dirt or dust.
The park has been fenced off, but city officials say it’s not an emergency, saying the chance of developing cancer from second-hand smoke is 15 in 100,000.
Cost of the original renovation project was $350,000. The cleanup would likely require removal of the contaminants and new layer of topsoil, which is estimated to cost $1.5 million.
The contaminants were discovered after testing showed elevated lead levels at a neighboring property. City officials said industrial debris was dumped at the site in the 1940s and 50s.
Industrial waste dumping from the early 20th century is the primary suspect behind recently discovered contaminants that have shut down a popular city park in Cleveland, according to this story.
The City of Cleveland started renovations on the 12.5-acre W.C. Reed Playfield over the summer, but that plan was put on hold after soil tests discovered elevated levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (or PAHs) on the site.
PAHs are typically a byproduct of petroleum processing or combustion and can be highly carcinogenic at relatively low levels, according to the U.S. Geological Survey website.
The State of Ohio requires remediation of recreation areas where PAHs pose a cancer risk greater than 1 in 100,000. PAH levels at the park are measured at 5 in 100,000, with the primary concern that children could accidentally eat or inhale contaminated dirt or dust.
The park has been fenced off, but city officials say it’s not an emergency, saying the chance of developing cancer from second-hand smoke is 15 in 100,000.
Cost of the original renovation project was $350,000. The cleanup would likely require removal of the contaminants and new layer of topsoil, which is estimated to cost $1.5 million.
The contaminants were discovered after testing showed elevated lead levels at a neighboring property. City officials said industrial debris was dumped at the site in the 1940s and 50s.
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