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More Sediment Samples Released from St. Bernard and Orleans Parishes

Release Date: 12/22/2005
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(12/22/05) On Thursday, Dec. 22, as part of the ongoing hurricane response effort in Louisiana, EPA posted data results for sediment samples taken Nov. 5 and Nov. 15. Most chemical concentrations detected in these samples were below LDEQ RECAP values. However, benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(k)fluoranthene were detected at one sampling location on Nov. 15. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at this location.

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.

For more detailed information on these results, visit: https://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/sediments/index.html#2