EPA Proposes Plan to Mitigate Vapor Intrusion Risks at New York City Superfund Site

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed a plan to protect people living and working in residential and commercial buildings at the Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site in the Greenpoint/East Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. The agency reports that groundwater and soil in the area are contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs). These chemicals can vaporize and seep into buildings through their foundations in a process known as vapor intrusion.

According to the EPA announcement:
The Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site covers over 190 acres across several city blocks in the Greenpoint/East Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. The soil, soil gas and groundwater at the site are contaminated with CVOCs, including toxic tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), which are classified by EPA as likely to cause cancer. This part of Brooklyn included historical petroleum refining and storage operations along the banks of Newtown Creek. The site was discovered when chemical contamination was found in soil and groundwater outside the historic petroleum spill area.

“EPA has tested a number of buildings in the area for vapor intrusion issues and proposes installing special systems called sub-slab depressurization systems where needed,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “They also plan to take preventative measures, such as sealing cracks and gaps in the lowest level of some structures, to help prevent exposure risks. Their proposal reflects the mitigation of up to 100 structures within the Meeker Ave site study area over the next 5 years.”

To help in these types of situations, the building science and indoor air quality (IAQ) professionals at CTSI offer vapor intrusion testing, monitoring, training, and consulting services. Their experts utilize proven techniques to identify and mitigate chemical exposure hazards to protect building occupants and workers from vapor intrusion and other airborne pollutants. These services also help to keep businesses and institutions in compliance with health and safety regulations.

To learn more about CTSI and their vapor intrusion, IAQ, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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