As many are aware, there has been much attention given to the levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) found in the air around Trappe. This issue has received much attention from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This page provides summary information, answers to common questions, and links for more information about TCE.
Summary
TCE is released into the air by two local manufacturing sites that use TCE for degreasing tubing. Although the TCE is high (about 10x higher than other DEP testing sites), the DEP monitoring found that other volatile organic compounds and the overall air quality are similar to other areas of the state. The DEP conclusion is that the health risk is very small even when estimated conservatively. A county health department study found cancer rates are at or below average. DEP studies of ground water indicates only trace TCE and Public Works quaterly testing of drinking water indicates it is free of TCE.
Many residents remain very concerned about TCE and have asked the local manufacturers to eliminate TCE emissions. To address public concerns, both firms have begun voluntary efforts to stop TCE emissions and expect significant reductions by the early 2008.
Upcoming: An August 8th meeting with the DEP to review the Superior Tube proposal is scheduled for August 8th at Perkiomen Valley Middle School. This is a re-scheduling of the previously planned July hearing. The RACT sheet and Hearing Notice are online.
The federal EPA is in the process of revising TCE standards. Having first exempted tubing manufacturers from new regulations, the EPA announced in May that it is reconsidering its position after many requests from local, state, and federal officials and citizen groups.
Department of Environmental Protection
The DEP online source for TCE issues in the Trappe/Collegeville area is maintained at this website. This site includes ongoing reporting of milestones met by local manufacturers in their clean up efforts.
Montgomery County Health Department
In response to municpal requests, including one from Trappe Borough, the Montgomery Country Health Department did an analysis of cancer rates in the area. It concluded kidney and level rates to be normal and lung cancer rates to be below average. The full report, including methodology and limitations, can be found here.
Public Works
The Collegeville-Trappe Joint Public Works (CTJPW) operates air strippers to remove any TCE found in the groundwater so that it is not found in public drinking water. A report on the emissions from the CTJPW air srippers, which indicate only small amounts are emitted, can be found here.
DEP comments on Vapor Intrusion
From the DEP: We do not believe vapor intrusion is an issue given the low levels of TCE in the Collegeville-Trappe area groundwater. Vapor intrusion is something being tested in areas with high levels of groundwater contamination, such as the levels of 11,000 ppb in Perkasie. That level is much higher than the non-detect to 0.0048 ppb range of TCE found in the Collegeville-Trappe groundwater.
Other Resources for Residents Note: These are commercial or community sites and not authorized, approved, or edited by Trappe Borough. They are provided only as a resource for interested residents.
- Accellent has documented their cleanup efforts here.
- Yahoo Groups: ConcernedCitizensCollegevillePA