| Abstract |
The 8.64-acre Hellertown Manufacturing site is an inactive spark plug manufacturing facility in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. From 1930 to 1975, chemical wastes including TCE, zinc plating waste, chrome dip waste, cleaners, and cutting oils generated during plating and degreasing processes were disposed of onsite in the unlined lagoons. Waste from these activities then seeped into the local soil and rock strata. In 1976, after the facility began discharging treated wastewater into the municipal sewer system, the lagoons were backfilled, closed in place, and covered with topsoil. Studies conducted in 1990 identified contamination by VOCs, metals, and organic compounds in lagoon backfill, soil, and in onsite ground water. The primary contaminants of concern affecting the soil and ground water and VOCs; other organics including PAHs; and metals in including chromium. The selected remedial action for the site includes capping the former 3.5-acre lagoon area with an impermeable asphalt and clay cover; pumping and onsite treatment of ground water using air stripping; removing solids using a settling tank or clarifier followed by filtration; discharging the treated effluent onsite to Saucon Creek; long-term ground water monitoring; controlling surface water runoff; and implementing institutional controls including deed restrictions. The estimated present worth cost for this remedial action is $2,250,000. |
