EPA, Twelve Private Entities Agree to Remove Contamination and Conduct Study at Metro Container Superfund Location

PHILADELPHIA (October 21, 2015) -- The E.P.A. and twelve private entities have agreed to settle on actions that will lead to increased environmental protection at the Metro Container Superfund Location in Trainer, Delaware Co., Pa.

Under the agreement, contamination from a portion of the Location will be removed. In addition, a scientific investigation of the site's contamination will be conducted and Location cleanup options will be developed and shared with the community. Using information from this investigation, E.P.A. will select an effective action to protect the surrounding community and nearby waterways and wetlands from site-related contamination. Stoney Creek is about 1,000 feet from the Location and flows directly into the Delaware River.

"This arrangement is an important step in protecting the local community from potential health risks and addressing a 100-year legacy of environmental contamination at this site," said E.P.A. Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. "These efforts will provide the science needed to determine a long-term remedy for this Location and future opportunities for expanded use."

The Metro Container Location was added to EPA's National Priorities list, a list of the most contaminated sites in the nation, in 2012. E.P.A. investigations have documented numerous hazardous contaminants of concern at the Location - including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides and numerous volatile organic compounds - in the soil and ground water plumes migrating from the Location and into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River.

The twelve settling parties will pay an estimated $2.5 million for the investigation and an estimated $1 million to remove contaminated soil. They will also reimburse E.P.A. for its oversight costs. The entities include:

For more information about the Metro Container Superfund Location see: http://epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=2098