Did EPA dig down deep enough in all the residential properties tested to ensure that people with basements that routinely flood were adequately tested? For example, did EPA test below 12 feet deep in homes where basements are 12-14 feet below ground level and where flooding regularly occurs? Some people routinely get water in their basements and many residential properties have “French drains.” Also did EPA test to see if any water found in residential basement areas was contaminated?

EPA advanced soil borings as deep as 10 feet below ground surface, which is deep enough to reach the average depth of basement foundations.  EPA did not test soil at depths greater than 10-feet, as there is a very low likelihood that persons will come into contact with soil at this depth.  Additionally, EPA did not find evidence of any volatile organic compounds in soil at any depth or in shallow groundwater that might cause a vapor intrusion condition, threatening the health of occupants inside the home.  EPA did not test any water collected in the basements of homes in Winona Homes.