News Releases - 2003

State and Federal Agencies Take Aggressive Action in Hartford

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois EPA and the U.S.EPA have instructed a group of oil companies to conduct a series of actions in order to resolve the numerous environmental problems caused by the gasoline leaks under north Hartford.

At a recent meeting, the agencies directed representatives of the group of oil companies, comprised of Premcor Refining Group, Shell Oil Products US, Sinclair Oil Corporation and Atlantic Richfield Company, to submit plans and to begin work to address the underground hydrocarbon plume caused by decades of petroleum spills in and near the village. Over the years, the petroleum has caused or contributed to fires and explosions, as well as complaints of vapors in the basements of some Hartford homes.

"Considering the seriousness of the problem in Hartford, I have asked the U.S.EPA to work with us to deal with this problem," said Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano. "By joining forces, I believe we can finally resolve this."

In addition, the Illinois Department of Public Health is gathering health related data and conferring with residents.

Illinois EPA and U.S.EPA have called for the oil companies to:

• Submit a scope of work for the further evaluation of the vapor recovery system. A recent study done by Premcor Refining Group determined that the current vapor recovery system installed in 1993 is no longer operating correctly. Work should begin on the assessment of the vapor recovery system by the end of October.
• Develop a conceptual site model to determine the area of contamination. This will include the installation of groundwater monitoring wells and extensive soil borings and testing of soil and groundwater. This work should begin later this year.
• Install sentinel wells designed to protect the public water supply near the plume in order to detect any contamination that may impact the drinking water supply before the contamination reaches the wells. Recent sampling of the drinking water supply has not detected any hydrocarbon contamination.
• Provide a method to remove vapors from homes and propose a system to prevent further infiltration of vapors.

In addition, the Illinois Department of Public Health is continuing to conduct indoor air sampling in Hartford homes. The data collected are being used to determine long-term exposure and the health effects associated with long-term exposure due to vapor intrusion.

"We expect the oil companies to take these actions quickly," said EPA Regional Administrator Tom Skinner. "These are critical steps on the way to addressing health and safety concerns the Hartford area has endured for far too long."

Later this month, U.S.EPA and Illinois EPA will conduct additional in-home interviews with Hartford residents to gather additional historical and health related information to help the agencies in their decision-making. To keep the public informed, the U.S.EPA will launch a web site for the project and will host public availability sessions as issues arise. For more information on community involvement efforts, you may contact Mike Joyce at U.S.EPA, phone 312-353-5546, or Mara McGinnis at Illinois EPA, phone 217-524-3288.