Elevated levels of 1, 2 Dichloroethane (1, 2 DCE) were detected at the Frelinghuysen (NJ) Elementary School recently, resulting in the facility to provide bottled water to students, faculty, and other staff members. Based on what has been reported, quarterly testing is conducted at the school for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and a result of 10.5 parts per billion for 1, 2 DCE[1] was identified in January and subsequently reported to the NJDEP. The NJDEP limit is 2 parts per billion. Now, the source of the contamination has yet to be identified, but it is anticipated that the school district will investigate this matter further using their environmental consultant and NJDEP oversight. For those that are not familiar with the “Immediate Environmental Concern (IEC)” process (which applies here) and timeframes, it is outlined as follows:
IEC Timeframes: Potable Water
1. Call NJDEP (1-877-WARNDEP) or assigned case manager: Immediately
2. Notify impacted property owners, occupants, Township, & Health Departments of analytical results and mitigate (i.e. bottled water): Within 5 Days
3. Submit IEC Response Action Form, Spreadsheet, Data, etc.: Within 14 Days
4. Installation of Engineering System Response & Receptor Delineation: Within 60 Days
5. Submit Engineered System Response Action Report: Within 120 Days
6. Submit IEC Source Control Report: Within 1 year
(Note: The ATSD has indicated that 1,2 DCE[2] is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, and commonly used in the production of vinyl chloride which is used to make a variety of plastic and vinyl products including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, furniture and automobile upholstery, wall coverings, housewares, and automobile parts. It is also used to as a solvent and is added to leaded gasoline to remove lead.)
Based on first glance, it appears that the school and the NJDEP are on top of the matter, with “protection of human health, safety, and the environment” being paramount. Additionally, the school will be submitting a report on proposed remedial measures within 30 days. Stay tuned as more information is expected to be released over the next few weeks and months.
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information, or for assistance on your next project, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
[1] EPA VOC Methods include 1,2 DCE
[2] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
1,2 Dichloroethane-March 2011