Investigation Continues in Residential Area Near Former Refinery
For Immediate Release
June 3, 1999 |
Contact: Carol Fuller
Illinois EPA, Office of Community Relations
217-524-8807
Derrick Kimbrough
U.S. EPA, Office of Public Involvement
312-886-9749 |
Joint Press Release from U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA
Lawrenceville, Ill. -- Results of recent soil samples from residential
property north of the former Indian Refining Company site have prompted U.S. EPA and
Illinois EPA to take the next step toward a larger off-site investigation. Limited
environmental sampling of residential soils by U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA over the past two
years have revealed chemical compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and
a low pH (acidic). A larger, more in-depth, investigation needs to be done to show the
extent of contamination in the residential areas near the former refinery.
PAHs are a group of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil and fuels, and
are also by-products of combustion. PAHs are also present in products derived from coal
and petroleum, such as coal-tar pitch, creosote, and asphalt. PAHs can be released into
the air during forest fires and from the burning of fossil fuels, garbage, or other
organic substances. Long-term, repeated exposures to mixtures of PAHs at high enough
levels can result in various adverse health effects. Materials with a low pH are acidic
and can be irritating and even corrosive to the skin, depending on the severity of the
exposure. More information about other health effects or ways someone can be exposed to
these compounds can be obtained from Lynn Stone, toxicologist with the Illinois Department
of Public Health in Marion at 618/993-7010.
U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA recently concluded negotiations with Texaco for an
Administrative Order on Consent which is expected to be signed in early June. Through this
legal commitment, Texaco agrees to perform a detailed investigation of the residential
property near the refinery as well as the refinery itself and the Indian Acres waste
disposal area. A work plan regarding the residential area is due from Texaco to the state
and federal environmental agencies in the next month. The agencies expect that soil
sampling will be conducted during late summer to early fall. The larger investigation
should result in solutions for contamination present in residential soils. After the
agencies receive results of the soil samples, they will make a determination as to what
further actions are necessary.
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