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EPA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF ITS DRAFT REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING IN SCARBORO, TENNESSEE

Release Date: 09/24/2002
Contact Information: Wesley Lambert, Media Relations, U.S. EPA, 404-562-8316

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the release of its draft report on the results of environmental sampling performed in the Scarboro Community in Oak Ridge, Tennessee last year in September. EPA collected a total of 10 samples for analysis: 6 soil, 2 sediment and 2 surface water samples from residential and commercial properties. The results have been compared to analytical data of samples collected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-Oak Ridge Operations in May 1998. Following is a summary of the results: 1. None of the EPA radionuclide analytical values were above background or exceeded maximum contaminant level (MCL) or preliminary remediation goals (PRG) for Mercury. 2. The National Secondary Drinking Water Standard (NSDWS) was exceeded in some water samples. The PRG for Iron and Manganese was exceeded in one or more of the sediment/soil samples. All other metals were undetected or below the MCL, NSDWS or PRG values. 3. No volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in the EPA or DOE surface water samples. VOCs detected in the sediment samples were plasticizers and solvents. These compounds are generally attributed to sampling or other laboratory activities. 4. All pesticides/polychlorinated biphenyls were undetected or below the MCL for the EPA and DOE surface water samples. However, some compounds were detected in one or more of the sediment/soil samples. 5. The semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were detected in one or more of the surface water/sediment and soil samples but were identified as substances commonly used in the laboratory and other sampling equipment. The results of the sample analysis did not reveal any toxic chemicals at levels of health concern. Detection limits for some of the semi-volatile organic compounds were greater than the risk screening level, but not greater than the regulatory health concern level. EPA will also be seeking public comment on its draft report. The public comment period will run from September 24 to October 8, 2002. All comments should be sent to: Constance Jones, U.S. EPA, 61 Forsyth Street, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Copies of the draft report will be available in Oakridge at the Scarboro Community Center,148 Carver Avenue, the DOE Information Center, 475 Oak Ridge Turnpike, and the Oak Ridge Public Library,1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike. In addition to the public comment period, EPA will host two public availability sessions planned for November. During the sessions, EPA will present its findings and discuss the final report in more detail. The date, time and location will be announced in the near future.