One of worst PAH sites
in the world
Levels
of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
offshore of Money Point, on the Southern
Branch of the Elizabeth River, are among the
highest in the world, says a 2004 study by VA
Institute of Marine Science.
PAH are
associated with high rates of liver cancer in
bottom-dwelling fish of the Elizabeth. About
35 acres of river sediments at Money Point are
believed to be heavily contaminated as a result
of a 1963 fire and a 1967 spill at the former
Eppinger and Russell wood treatment
facility, now defunct. Money Point is about a
mile south of the Jordan Bridge, on the
industrial shore of South Norfolk in Chesapeake
(see map, reverse).
Proposed use of Trust $5
million
The
Elizabeth River Restoration Trust proposes to
use $5 million, provided in June 2004 as
mitigation by APM Terminals, to remediate
the PAH contamination at Money Point, if
engineering studies determine this is feasible
and community and regulatory issues are
addressed, including the potential for
re-contamination from uplands. The US Army Corps
of
Engineers and the Virginia Department of
Environmental Quality must approve Trust
projects as appropriate mitigation, and have
given preliminary approval to the general
concept of cleaning up Money Point with the APM
Terminals funds. APM provided the funds to
mitigate impacts to the river bottom from a port
facility to be built on the river’s Main Stem.
“Capping” and removal
to be explored
Preliminary plans are for the feasibility study
to consider “capping,” removal, or a
combination of these technologies to
determine the most appropriate way to address
contamination at Money Point. Capping involves
placing a thin layer of clean material, such as
sand, over the contaminated area to isolate the
pollution and has been successful with similarly
polluted river sediments in other areas. Removal
involves dredging and off-site disposal of the
contaminated material. Removal may be especially
appropriate where navigation interests coincide
with cleanup needs. A combination of capping and
removal may be cost-effective at Money Point.
Timeline
The Trust is finalizing details now with the
Corps and Department of Environmental Quality
for a timeline and initial expenditures. The
Trust has proposed beginning work immediately.
The Trust estimates that it will take
at
least three years to complete a feasibility
study for Money Point, coordinate cleanup of
potential sources of re-contamination from
upland properties, and address community,
regulatory and liability concerns. Preliminary
estimates call for beginning cleanup action
off-shore in three to four years, with
completion in seven to eight years, followed by
monitoring.
Progress Already Made
The non-profit Elizabeth River Project, which
formed the Elizabeth River Restoration Trust, is
working with the Money Point community to
address potential re-contamination from
uplandsand ensure that revitalization plans are
consistent with community needs.
Seven
industrial sites on the shore are cooperating to
address potential upland contamination and
restore vital habitat. Amerada Hess, which
owns the largest portion of the former Eppinger
and Russell site, is finalizing cleanup plans
with Virginia’s voluntary Remediation Program.
Elizabeth River Terminals has placed 16 acres of
shore in long-term conservation through the
Elizabeth River Project’s River Star program. In
addition, The University of Virginia’s Institute
for Environmental Negotiation has received
$120,000 in grant funds to assist Elizabeth
River Project with community involvement. UVA
recently completed an initial community
assessment. |
