DNREC News

September 27, 2000
Vol. 30, No. 313

For more information, contact Franchon Beeks or Alex Rittberg, DNREC Site Investigation and Restoration Branch, 302-395-2600; or Melinda Carl, Information and Education, 302-739-4506

Further Soil Testing Required for Residents of St. Georges

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has directed the Army Corps of Engineers to submit a work plan for the second phase of soil testing for lead in the St. Georges Bridge area.

The second phase of lead testing was ordered as a result of the findings from the June tests which were discussed with residents of St. Georges at a Sept. 13 meeting held by DNREC's Site Investigation and Restoration Branch in
collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers.

The June tests were performed on residential properties in the St. Georges area and the Commodore McDonough School playground. The second phase of soil testing is to determine areas where any soil removal needs to occur and to confirm previous sampling results. The Corps will also be testing the public lands of St. Georges and the C&D Canal Wildlife Area. The second sampling event is expected to begin at the end of October.

During these ongoing testing activities, DNREC and Public Health continue to recommend the following precautions to residents of the area whose properties tested above 400 parts per million:

Restrict any activities that require direct contact with the soils on your property.
Restrict consumption of homegrown root plants, including potatoes, onions and carrots.
Restrict consumption of homegrown leafy plants, including lettuce and cabbage.
Thoroughly wash all other homegrown vegetables prior to consumption.
Thoroughly wash hands after any soil disturbing activities on your property.

All residents who are interested in getting blood lead testing should call Jerry Llewellyn, Division of Public Health, 302-739-6619.

A public meeting sponsored by the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the future of the bridge is scheduled for Oct. 17. Residents can contact Mr. DePrefontaine of the Army Corps of Engineering, 215-656-6882 for more
information.

For further information regarding soil sampling, contact Alex Rittberg, DNREC Site Investigation and Restoration Branch, 302-395-2600.

(document no. 40-01/00/09/42)

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