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EPA Posts Additional Data from Resampling Conducted at 14 Sites in Louisiana

Release Date: 02/09/2006
Contact Information: Eryn Witcher, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(2/9/06) On Feb. 3, 2006, EPA posted additional results from resampling conducted at 14 sites in Louisiana as part of ongoing hurricane cleanup efforts. To determine long-term exposure concerns, EPA is comparing sediment sample results to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality's (LDEQ) Risk Evaluation/ Corrective Action Program (RECAP) Soil Standards. These standards are intended to be protective of long-term (i.e., 30-year) exposures to children and adults in a residential setting.

In Orleans Parish, arsenic, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), benzo(a) pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and the pesticide dieldrin were found above RECAP standards. In St. Bernard Parish, one sample contained diesel range organics above the RECAP values. USEPA and LDEQ believe the diesel range organics value is associated with the Murphy Oil Spill, which is currently being addressed by the responsible party with USEPA and LDEQ oversight. In cases where sample results exceed RECAP standards, EPA and LDEQ are working together to determine next steps.

More information on these results: epa.gov/katrina/testresults/sediments/index.html#3