Citizens for a
Better Ambler

On April 20, 2006, several initial soil samples were obtained from the former fire fighting area in the vicinity of the waste pile. The remaining air, soil, surface water, and sediment samples were obtained from the Bo-Rit waste pile, the reservoir, and Whitpain Park on April 27 and 28, 2006.

The EPA expects the validated results from the sampling event in approximately 60 to 90 days.The evaluation of the analytical results, including discussing the forthcoming actions for the site, may be completed within an additional 60 days. Please be aware that the results will be reviewed by several offices within EPA, in conjunction with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). Once their office and the other agencies complete the reviews and discussions, they will contact Ambler area residents to share the results.

2006 EPA Test Results Meeting - Coming Soon - Plan to Attend
You may check our website for info on EPA's Public Meeting on April’s test results or call EPA to find out when the public meeting will be held.

EPA Contacts:
Charlene Creamer - Site Assessment Coordinator
Creamer.Charlene@epamail.epa.gov
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Hazardous Site Cleanup Division
1650 Arch St, Mailcode: 3HS12, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
215-814-2145

Larry C. Johnson - Superfund Community Involvement Coordinator
Johnson.Larry-C@epamail.epa.gov
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Hazardous Site Cleanup Division
1650 Arch St, Mailcode: 3HS52, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
215-814-3239 , 215-266-0374 (cell)

Should We Be
Concerned?

Asbestos fibers
in lab photo

Scientific Reports (1988 to 2003, 18 year span)
Ambient Air Test Results by EPA 1988
"The results of the analysis of the air samples located upwind of the site on Maple Street (R03-03,R03-04, and R02-02), and at the intersection of Mercer Hill Road and Betsy Lane (R01-01), indicate levels above those found in on-site samples. Concentrations approximately 50 times (1.95f/cc compared to 0.03f/cc) the levels detected in on-site samples were reported. These four off-site samples, located downwind of the reservoir berm and East Maple Street pile, were found to possess concentrations (0.33 to 1.95f/cc) above the recommended ambient air guidelines and EPA reported levels of ambient asbestos. The highest level,(1.95f/cc) was detected in the sample located downwind of the reservoir. The mass/volume concentration (59.5ng/m3) at this location, is equivalent to 1.98f/cc(fiber>5 um). This equivalent concentration is almost 10 times the OSHA limit (.2f/cc). Both the reservoir berm and the Maple St. Piles were identified as potential off-site sources."The EPA RIFS Section 5 revision 1, 5/26/1988 page 44.

Shaw Report - 2003 - HRS (Hazardous Ranking Score) 85% Gilmore Report - 2001 - Bo-Rit site contains 95% asbestos/5% natural soil

Quotes by Department of Environmental Protection Reps
1." the property is not in a state of complete stability. Heavy breezes and harsh weather conditions could kick asbestos dust into the air, uproot trees and uncover buried sheets and shingles." Ragesh Patel and George Horvat PADEP representatives public statement published in the Ambler Gazette June 14, 2005.“…
2. Horvat/Patel quote re Bo-Rit Site is unstable...Ambler Gazette
3. “The only ‘cap’ is whatever earth and plants Mother Nature has provided.” According to Lynda Rebarchak, spokeswoman, for the state Department of Environmental Protection, the owners are required only to fence the property and post signs warning of asbestos contamination. Asbestos-containing material is allowed to remain on the surface of the site, she said. When asked how the DEP could allow that, Rebarchak responded, ‘We’re not a health agency” Reported by Sarah Larson, published in The Intelligencer November 30, 2005.