Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Lawrence McFadden Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Cleanup Status

EPA conducted a vapor intrusion investigation of the facility in the summer of 2015 and winter of 2016. Results from this investigation suggest an impact to indoor air within the construction company office above appropriate risk-based levels due to likely historical releases from nearby above-ground storage tanks (unused since 2009 and removed in 2016) that had stored solvents, fuel oil, and hazardous waste. Options for vapor mitigation are presently being considered.

An Environmental Indicator (EI) inspection was conducted in November 2010 to determine whether human exposures to contamination and the migration of contaminated groundwater were under control. Once vapor mitigation measures are implemented in the construction company office to eliminate or reduce indoor air contamination, human exposures to contamination will be under control at the facility. Groundwater wells were installed in 2016 to help determine whether the migration of contaminated groundwater beneath the loading dock area is under control.

Cleanup Background

Environmental investigations at the facility began in 1991 with a Preliminary Assessment that identified several solid waste management units (SWMU) at the facility. In 1993, soil samples from the loading dock area and the drum storage area were taken as part of an EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Compliance Evaluation. Only one of the samples locations near the loading dock exhibited an elevated level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Results were reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP).

A Phase II investigation was performed in June 2010 that included the collection of soil borings throughout the facility. Localized impacts from VOCs were identified, mainly in the loading dock area.

In August 2011, most of the process materials that remained at the facility were removed from the facility and disposed of properly. The outdoor above-ground storage tank (AST) farm was also decommissioned and removed from the facility.

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Site Description

Interactive map of Lawrence McFadden Company, Philadelphia, PA


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From 1937 to 2009, the Lawrence McFadden Company manufactured stains, lacquers, varnishes, and other industrial finishes for various wood and metal products. Prior to 1937, the facility was used for sandpaper manufacturing. In 2009, Lawrence McFadden declared bankruptcy and ceased operations at the facility. The facility was sold on December 30, 2010 to 7430 State Rd LLC and presently houses several commercial tenants.

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Contaminants at this Facility

Primary contaminants at the facility include VOCs from past finishing operations. Workers or trespassers could potentially be exposed to this contamination through inhalation of vapors from contaminated subsurface soil and/or groundwater. Additionally, construction workers may also be directly exposed to contaminated subsurface soil and groundwater during intrusive operations.

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Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility

Institutional controls, if required, will be determined at the time of remedy selection.

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Land Reuse Information at this Facility

The facility is presently being used by two construction companies as an office and garage/warehouse, and the front office of the building is being used as a driver’s license office.

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Site Responsibility at this Facility

RCRA Corrective Action activities at this facility have been conducted under the direction of EPA Region 3.

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