Abstract |
The three to four-acre Berks Sand Pit site is located in Longswamp Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. There are at least 20 single family homes within the investigation area, including one on top of the actual sand pit. The immediate vicinity of the site is zoned for low density residential use. The Berks Sand Pit was created by the removal of sand and gravel, but reportedly was used by area residents for refuse disposal. Industrial waste also was alleged to have been disposed of in the area around the pit. Houses were constructed and private wells installed at the location beginning in 1978, after the pit was backfilled. The site first came to the attention of EPA in January 1982 when area residents detected ground water contamination. Emergency actions were undertaken by EPA in the summer of 1983. The pit was partially excavated and backfilled with clean fill, but no pocket of contamination was discovered. The primary contaminants of concern affecting the ground water, surface water, and sediments are VOCs including 1,1,1-TCA, 1,1-DCA, PCE, and 1,1-DCE. The selected remedial action for the site is included. |