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AMCO Chemical Vinyl Chloride/Toxic Contamination Site
High
levels of chemicals found
Vinyl Chloride was found at the AMCO Chemical Site (formerly known as
DC Metals) at 3rd and Mandela in West Oakland, California in June 1995
when utility workers were digging in the area. Tests showed that high levels
of vinyl chloride and other chemicals were in the soil on the AMCO
property and in shallow groundwater monitoring
wells on and near the AMCO site. According to the EPA low levels of vinyl
chloride were found in crawlspace air and soil gas at nearby homes in
September 1999 – but not in 2000. The EPA must continue to test
the area to make sure residents are not at risk.
Not just “salt and steam” – community
takes action
In February 1997, USEPA installed an incinerator to burn the vinyl chloride
that was present in groundwater and soil vapors. The EPA called the
incinerator a “soil vapor extraction thermal oxidation unit” – and
falsely claimed it was only emitting “salt and steam.” In
July 1998 the Chester Street Block Club Association and Greenaction
forced EPA to shut the incinerator because it was emitting dioxin and
vinyl chloride into the air.
Superfund site recommendation
Since 1997 the EPA has been collecting site data on the vinyl chloride
contamination. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has
now recommended this site be placed on the National Priority List (NPL)
of federal Superfund sites so funding can be allocated to remediate
(“clean up”) the site which is near homes and the South
Prescott Park.
Vinyl chloride: a
cancer-causing chemical and toxic air contaminant
Vinyl chloride is a colorless, flammable gas with a mild, sweet odor.
It is a manufactured substance that is used to make polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). Vinyl chloride has been identified as a “toxic air contaminant” by
the California Air Resources Board and is recognized as capable of
causing cancer by a number of health agencies and the USEPA.
Benzene, toluene,
xylenes, trichloroethene (TCE) and other chemicals found at high
levels
Benzene and TCE are also carcinogen (cancer-causing agents) found at
high levels at the site.
Community involvement
is very important – demand a safe, complete
and prompt cleanup
We need to be informed and involved to make sure the EPA cleans up the
toxic contamination in the safest and most complete way possible – and
without delay. Attend the EPA and community meetings to be informed and
voice your opinion. |
