Is EPA planning on taking samples from the basements in the homes you are sampling in the Norwood community? If not, why not?

EPA is not planning to collect samples from residential basements or crawl spaces at this time.

EPA installed six groundwater wells within the Old Norwood Dump, Norwood Lower Park, and the Winona Homes neighborhood. Groundwater wells will not be placed on private residential properties. The wells will be used to collect groundwater samples to be analyzed for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Based on the groundwater results, additional air samples may be collected from homes to address potential vapor intrusion concerns.

Vapor intrusion is the term used to describe the migration of volatile chemicals from contaminated groundwater and/or soils into the indoor air spaces of overlying buildings through openings in the building foundation. Vapors that accumulate in buildings could cause health risks or other safety concerns.