AN area near the polychlorinated biphenyl treatment site in Tanapag has PCB contamination above the standard cleanup level of 1 part per million.
A sampling conducted by the Division of Environmental Quality found that nine of the 10 soil samples collected had PCB Aroclor 1254, the highest level being 1.476 ppm and 2.439 ppm.
DEQ Director John I. Castro said a proposed sewer line installation project that extends from the east main road and heading westward to the PCB treatment site prompted the division to collect soil samples for analysis.
“The two sample points that have hit above 1 ppm are relatively close to Kim’s Auto Shop fence line, where excavation and removal of PCB contamination took place,” Castro said.
Due to DEQ’s findings, Castro requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to further investigate the site.
Lt. Col. Ronald N. Light, Army Corps Honolulu District engineer, said the contractor—Environmental Chemical Corp.—had taken additional characterization samples in the area.
“The contractor will excavate and clean the area to less than 1 ppm using established protocols,” Light said.
He said the federal agency “understands that the contaminated area may extend into the wetlands which are an endangered species habitat.”
DEQ should provide information or assistance regarding these concerns, Light said.
Variety found more than 20 small red flags at the area, reportedly to indicate sampled soil location and contamination.
The Tanapag Action Group, in a separate interview, also requested the Army Corps to speed up the remediation process at the site.
TAG Chairman Juan I. Tenorio said the cleanup should be done before the rainy season sets in.
“It has been reported that this area has PCB levels over 1 ppm, so Army Corps needs to clean it up. If it needs further excavation, then they should do that now. The rainy season will soon be here again and we don’t want the contamination to spread,” Tenorio said.
Frank Ono, on-island representative of the Army Corps, could not be reached for comment.
