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Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue Soil Vapor Study

Approximately 270 property owners in two areas of St. Louis Park were notified in early December about the possibility of volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors in the soil under their residences and businesses. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is managing this ongoing investigation, with the support of the MPCA, the Minnesota Department of Health and the city of St. Louis Park.

About 150 citizens attended two public meetings in mid-December to learn more about the study, and to sign access agreements allowing the EPA to test the soil underneath their property. Testing begins in January 2008.

The partner agencies agree that there is no evidence to date suggesting an imminent health risk to occupants.

Pollutants being Investigated

The investigation will focus on two types of VOCs. VOCs are compounds that can turn into vapors at low temperatures and travel through surrounding soil.

Two specific compounds, perchlorethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), are being sampled for. These chemicals are commonly used in dry cleaning and for degreasing metal parts.

When these vapors are inhaled in low concentrations for long periods of time, some health effects may occur.

No responsible parties have yet been identified as sources of the PCE and TCE pollution.

It is important to note that many common household products also contain VOCs. Cleaning products, paints and carpets contribute to the overall concentration of VOCs within any enclosed space. The testing will look at VOCs in the soil underneath homes and buildings, and how they might be contributing to levels of these compounds inside homes and buildings.

Background

In February 2007, the MPCA received a report showing elevated levels of PCE and TCE in the soil in St. Louis Park. Based on this initial report, MPCA staff determined that additional testing was needed and St. Louis Park officials were notified.

Due to the size, complexity and expense of the additional study needed, the MPCA began meeting with the U.S. EPA in May. The two agencies developed a plan for additional soil sampling, which was conducted in June 2007. Based on the results of this testing, which were available in September, the EPA and MPCA decided to explore two areas of the city in more detail.

Testing and Remediation

With the owner’s permission, EPA will first conduct air and soil sampling at target properties to determine if VOC vapors are entering indoor air. This involves drilling a small hole in the floor of the slab, basement or crawl space to collect a sub-slab vapor sample in a special bag; this process takes about 45 minutes, and the hole is patched following testing. The sample will be analyzed instantly by a mobile lab.

Ten percent of the properties will also be sampled using a canister that will be sent to an independent laboratory for verification.

If sample results indicate elevated vapor levels, EPA will double-check slabs, basements, crawl spaces and outdoor and indoor air. Staff will perform another round of sampling after removing all household cleaners and paints. EPA will take all steps necessary to fix any problems found and to protect the health and safety of residents. The exact steps needed will depend on vapor levels and the condition of homes and buildings. Remediation is free of charge to residents.

Contacts For More Information

U.S. EPA
Sonia Vega, On-Scene Coordinator, 651-757-2796, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cheryl Allen, Community Involvement Coordinator, 800-621-8431, Ext. 36196, weekdays 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Minnesota Department of Health
James Kelly, 651-201-4910, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tannie Eshenaur, 651-201-4873, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
David Moore, Project Manager, 651-757-2583, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
David Scheer, Hydrologist, 651-757-2693, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

City of St. Louis Park
Jamie Dion, Environmental Health Specialist, 952-924-2593, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Last modified on Monday, August 30, 2010 13:45
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