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Feb. 24, 2001 For additional information, contact Franchon Beeks, DNREC Site Investigation and Restoration Branch, 302-395-2600; Dr. Gerald Llewellyn, Division of Public Health, 302-739-6619; or Maria Taylor, DNREC Information and Education, 302-739-4506 Arsenic Contamination Found at Compton Townhouses in WilmingtonResidents of Compton Townhouses in Wilmington have been notified by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Division of Public Health that arsenic contamination associated with shallow and deep soils has been discovered at their residential community and adjacent property located at 9th and Walnut Streets near Mount Ezion Carmel Church. DNREC and the Division of Public Health will hold a public meeting to discuss the contamination, health risks, ongoing investigation and planned remediation with concerned residents and neighbors in the community on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Peoples Settlement Association, located at 408 E. 8th St., Wilmington. The contamination was discovered during completion of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment at the property owned by Leon Weiner and Associates, Inc. The assessment was performed by WIK Associates, Inc. for Weiner, who notified the Department of the contamination. Though the risk at the site does not constitute an emergency, the levels of arsenic discovered at Compton Townhouses are slightly above Delaware's acceptable levels for inadvertent ingestion of surface soils, and one location outside the residential area may pose additional risk with long-term exposure. As a protective measure, residents of the community have been advised not to allow children to play in yard areas where bare soil is exposed, and not to perform any digging or other soil disturbing activities until a soil removal remedy is in place. Arsenic is commonly found in food in trace amounts. However, a certain type, inorganic arsenic, is considered to be a known human carcinogen (Group A), and the Division of Public Health supports a cautious approach to inadvertent soil ingestion, especially by children. The arsenic contamination appears to be associated with a tannery site that was formerly located adjacent to the property at the turn of the century through the 1920s. Other contamination identified at the site includes polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), cadmium, mercury and lead in the subsurface soils (2.6 to 5.5 feet below grade). This subsurface contamination does not pose a risk provided the soils remain undisturbed. DNREC officials are continuing to investigate the area and evaluate risks associated with the discovered contamination. An Interim Response Action and soil removal is planned that may be extended to the surrounding property, as needed. -30-
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