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Environmental Testing at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Week of April 21, 2014. Presented by Ohio EPA and Summit County Public Health. Background. 2008-2013: Former State Road Shopping Center undergoes voluntary environmental assessment.
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Environmental Testing at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM)Week of April 21, 2014 Presented by Ohio EPA and Summit County Public Health
Background • 2008-2013: Former State Road Shopping Center undergoes voluntary environmental assessment. • Nov. 2013: Complete environmental assessment is presented to Ohio EPA. • Feb. 2014: After review, Ohio EPA risk assessor recommends sampling IHM property for potential impacts. • April 21, 2014: Sampling to begin.
How Could IHM be Impacted? • Contaminated ground water discovered west of Lillis Drive. • Contaminants in ground water have the potential to evaporate and move as a gas through soil and into building foundations (aka: vapor intrusion).
Is There an Existing Risk at IHM? • We are not aware of any reported health impacts and have no indication an immediate health threat exists. • No concerns with drinking water. IHM’s water provided by Cuyahoga Falls Water Treatment Plant. • Out of an abundance of caution, Ohio EPA believes environmental testing is warranted to ensure the health and safety of IHM community.
Chemicals of Interest • TCE (trichloroethylene). • Manmade solvent used to degrease metal parts, in adhesives and paint/spot removers. • PCE (tetrachloroethylene). • Also known as PERC (perchloroethylene). • Manmade solvent most often associated with dry cleaning. • The source of chemicals in ground water under neighboring property is unknown. • Historical releases/spills of these chemicals have been detected elsewhere in Ohio.
Effects of TCE/PCE Vapor Exposure • Breathing high levels of TCE/PCE may cause dizziness, headaches, lung irritation and more. • Breathing very high levels for prolonged periods poses a serious concern, especially for susceptible populations. • Potential carcinogen.
Summary of Sampling • Work scheduled April 21-25. • Ohio EPA’s Site Investigation Field Unit (SIFU) will utilize an onsite mobile lab while sampling. • Types and locations of sampling: • Exterior soil, sub-slab and indoor air samples. • Locations (see map).
Sampling Results • On the afternoon of April 25, an update will be provided to the IHM community via the webpage. • Complete results and analysis to follow ASAP—a few weeks. • Summit County Public Health (SCPH) will review results and suggest any additional actions, if warranted. • Follow-up meetings will be scheduled with employees, parents and parishioners.
What’s Next? • If results show no concerns with vapor intrusion, Ohio EPA will continue to monitor the area in the future. • If contaminants are found at a level of concern, Ohio EPA and SCPH will recommend actions to remove any risk.
For More Information • www.araqmd.org • Click on the IHM link in the “What’s New in AQ” box. • Check back afternoon of April 25 for an update. • Mike Settles, Ohio EPA, 614-644-2160, mike.settles@epa.ohio.gov • For questions concerning sampling. • Dawn Meyers, SCPH, 330-375-2480, IHM@schd.org • For health-related questions.