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Second Phase of Residential Lead Cleanups to Begin This Summer

Release Date: 6/3/2003
Contact Information: David Sternberg, (215) 814-5548

David Sternberg, (215) 814-5548

PHILADELPHIA - Palmerton property owners whose properties were sampled in the Fall of 2002, and found to have levels of lead above EPA cleanup standards, are currently receiving letters from Cumming/Riter Consultants, contractors for Viacom, Inc. The letters will inform residents that the consultants will be in touch with them to discuss individual cleanup plans for their properties. The cleanups are expected to begin later this summer and extend into the fall.

Letters will also be mailed this week to the remaining residential property owners that are in the Palmerton “soil cleanup” boundary area who were not sampled in the first phase. These letters will request access for contractors to collect soil samples. As in the first phase of sampling, there is no cost to the property owner. Participation is voluntary, but strongly encouraged by EPA.

The sampling and cleanups are being performed under an October 2001 record of decision, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as Superfund.

Public information sessions will be held on June 24, to provide information and answer homeowners’ questions regarding the access request letters. The sessions will take place at the West End Fire Hall. An afternoon session is scheduled from 2 to 4 pm followed by an evening session from 6 to 8 pm.