[3][4] During the initial assessment study at Pemaco, the EPA found high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the soil beneath the site.
VOCs at the site included: Perchloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene (TCE), Trichloroethane (TCA), Dichloroethane (DCA) and vinyl chloride (VC).
It is suggested that VOC particles in an indoor environment can be reduced by 50% when household rugs and carpets are cleaned with efficient vacuum cleaners and hot water.
These chemicals can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, permanent blindness, deterioration of the central nervous system, neurological side effects, and in some cases may be cancerous or fatal.
[5] It included automatic safeguards to shut down in the event of malfunction, and it was tested to guarantee that emissions were within limits required by County, State and Federal Agencies.
The soil vapor extraction filter and thermal heating system worked as follows: In 1998, the EPA collected weekly data on VOCs going into and coming out of the incinerator.
However, based on tests of similar systems used on other projects, it is believed that emissions of VOCs, dioxins, and other chemicals were low and did not pose an elevated threat to public health.
The soil vapor recovery and treatment system was turned on during May 2007, and Electrical resistance heating remediation for the source area of the site began full operations in September 2007.
[8] When fully completed the park complex will include a state-of-the-art playground for young children, basketball courts, and a riverfront bicycle path.