When will we get information comparing all the available remediation methods in terms of cost, effectiveness, and community impacts (such as air emissions from the remediation process itself)?

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Evaluation of current and potential remedial options is ongoing.  Cleanup Plans will be submitted upon completion of all Remedial Investigation activities, which will consist of identification and evaluation of remedial alternatives, selection of proposed remedies, and plans for the development, construction, and initial operation of the proposed remedy and/or documentation of interim remedial actions already in... read more

Does the remediation process create an odor or smell? What kind? Will it be all the time, or at certain times?

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Emissions from Evergreen’s systems are all treated in some fashion.  Groundwater and LNAPL pumping systems are closed loop systems from which vapors are extracted from the system components themselves (no vapors are extracted from the subsurface) and are treated with either granular activated carbon or catalytic oxidation.  The sewer vapor extraction systems both use biofilter beds to treat air that is removed... read more

The benzene graphic is different from one previously presented, which showed different levels of concentration for benzene on and off the site. (Evergreen note: comment refers to slide 38 “Groundwater Investigation Results: Benzene” from the August 27, 2020 Public Information Session). The arrow that is pointing to “offsite benzene source areas” is pointing to a residential area and the PGW facility (just west of I76). Who is responsible for cleaning up the off-site contamination under the residential area?

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The benzene graphic was modified to simplify the presentation and to depict where benzene is predicted to be present above the Statewide Health Standard in the water table. The purple arrows were drawn to denote other offsite properties that are active in Pennsylvania’s Act 2 program that have benzene sources in groundwater. These include the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) Passyunk Facility, Belmont Terminal, and... read more

In today’s presentation, the presenter described that water flows within the upper groundwater can only mix with water in the lower groundwater if there is a “hole” in the ‘shelf’ layer between. Even from a layman’s perspective, the airplane-view images provided for comparing the two zones and the ”shelf-like’ separation, that pathway appeared quite large–and that it could be a pathway of contaminates. Is this being studied? What is the status of such a report and when would its findings be presented and addressed?

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Characterization of the refinery geology, hydrogeology, and extent of contamination, including study of the pathways that could exist, has been ongoing and is included in the RIRs. A fate and transport analysis will be prepared once all the RIRs have been approved, and the analysis will include model simulations of contaminant transport.  This report is expected to be submitted by the end of... read more

Will this affect our drinking water?

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The refinery contamination sources discussed during the public information session are not expected to impact local drinking water supplies obtained by the City from the Delaware and Schuylkill... read more

When were the outdoor air samples taken?

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The outdoor (ambient) air samples that Evergreen has collected across the site have been collected over many years. Some samples were collected during individual AOI investigations and some were collected as part of a site-wide vapor investigation, generally conducted between 2009 and 2018. Individual sample dates are included in the air data tables within the Remedial Investigation... read more

Why is the site specific standard for lead contamination at the site, more than double the default state, non-residential lead standard?

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The approach used to calculate the SSS for lead was to use the updated Adult Lead Model recommended by the USEPA. The previous calculations used by the PADEP were outdated; therefore, the PADEP recently used the same Adult Lead model to develop an updated non-residential lead direct contact MSC that reflects the current state of the science for lead.  The new calculated proposed direct contact standard for lead is... read more

Thank you for doing your best to use plain language and take the measures you have to try to include the public, as is required by Act 2. Will you hold more regular small group sessions, as a necessary precursor to the public being able to submit educated comments? Information only presented in a one-way format does not enable true public engagement.

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Evergreen has offered to community groups, such as Philly Thrive, to meet in smaller group settings to answer questions concerning the Site. Evergreen will work with the community to develop the best format to engage in smaller group settings as part of the Act 2... read more

When clean-up will the community be notified in south and southwest Philly?

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Evergreen is in the process of finishing the investigation activities at the former Philadelphia Refinery to identify the extent of the chemicals in soil and groundwater, in order to ultimately develop remediation (cleanup) plans for the site. During this process, Evergreen will develop reports and hold public meetings, both of which will have public notices. Throughout the process, we will post information to the... read more