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EPA PROVIDES RESULTS OF COMPREHENSIVE SAMPLING CONDUCTED NEAR THE BARBER’S ORCHARD SUPERFUND SITE

Release Date: 09/07/1999
Contact Information: Carl Terry, EPA Region 4 Media Relations, 404-562-8325 Don Rigger, Emergency Response and Removal Branch, 404-562-8744

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the results of a comprehensive sampling effort near the Barber’s Orchard Superfund site in Waynesville, North Carolina. This effort was initiated under the authority of the Agency’s Emergency Response and Removal Branch to determine if a Superfund response action is warranted to protect public health and the environment.

EPA began the sampling effort in early July 1999 in response to previous sampling by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. North Carolina found elevated levels of hazardous substances in water samples taken from private wells and in soil samples taken from residential yards. Soil and drinking water samples were collected in the residential community occupying the former apple orchard known as Barber’s Orchard.

Fifty-five private wells (53 residential and 2 commercial) were sampled. Samples from one well exceeded EPA’s short-term health based level and samples from 25 wells exceeded EPA’s long-term health based level. The primary contaminants of concern are compounds of the pesticide lindane. It is a restricted- use pesticide and has not been applied in Barber’s Orchard for many years.

Fifty-five residential yards were sampled. Samples from thirty-four properties exceeded EPA’s health- based screening levels. The primary contaminant of concern in the soil is arsenic which is associated with lead- arsenic formulations which were commonly used prior to World War II. Other contaminants of concern include lead (commonly found in conjunction with arsenic), DDT and its metabolites and lindane-related compounds. It is believed that these hazardous substances were introduced to the soil as a result of the handling and application of pesticides during apple cultivation.

The sampling report presents the findings but does not draw conclusions or present strategies . EPA currently is evaluating the results, and has forwarded results of the sampling to the owners of properties sampled. EPA will hold a public meeting on September 14, 1999 at the Dayco Union Hall in Hazelwood, North Carolina to discuss the findings, answer questions and address concerns of all interested persons.