EPA Test Finds No Vapors @SLP HS
EPA Test Finds No Vapors At St. Louis Park H.S.
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. (WCCO) ?¯ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans next month to test about 270 homes and businesses in St. Louis Park for potentially hazardous vapors.
The EPA wants to determine whether vapors from old chemical spills are seeping into the buildings in the western Twin Cities suburb.
''It's an emerging issue nationally. Only recently has technology been able to sample at these very low levels. Recognizing that, we, very quickly asked for the EPA's assistance,'' said Doug Wetzstein of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Preliminary sampling at St. Louis Park High School and Central Community Center, which includes Park Spanish Immersion School, showed no vapors present in the soil beneath either building that would impair indoor air quality, the MPCA said in a statement Wednesday. Of the 12 samples analyzed, six were free of the chemicals and six were ''well below levels of concern,'' the agency said.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Brad Moore said officials don't see an imminent public health threat at this time.
The EPA said it's seen no evidence that the vapors are getting into buildings, but it wants to check the properties near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue.
A letter explaining the study was sent out late Monday.
''The cooperating agencies wish to assure you there is no evidence suggesting an imminent health risk to occupants, but the potential vapor intrusion problem needs to be checked out,'' the letter said.
Recently, chemical compounds used as solvents and degreasers were found in shallow groundwater and soil in St. Louis Park. However, authorities said that because city water is pulled from deeper aquifers, drinking water supplies aren't affected.
Moore said the upcoming stretch of cold weather will be a good time to check for the chemicals, commonly called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
''Homes are closed up,'' Moore said. ''If there are going to be problems related to VOCs, this is when you would expect to see those problems.''
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Brad Moore said officials don't see an imminent public health threat at this time.The EPA said it's seen no evidence that the vapors are getting into buildings, but it wants to check the properties near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue.A letter explaining the study was sent out late Monday.''The cooperating agencies wish to assure you there is no evidence suggesting an imminent health risk to occupants, but the potential vapor intrusion problem needs to be checked out,'' the letter said.Recently, chemical compounds used as solvents and degreasers were found in shallow groundwater and soil in St. Louis Park. However, authorities said that because city water is pulled from deeper aquifers, drinking water supplies aren't affected.Moore said the upcoming stretch of cold weather will be a good time to check for the chemicals, commonly called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.''Homes are closed up,'' Moore said. ''If there are going to be problems related to VOCs, this is when you would expect to see those problems.''
By WCCO Update
EPA Test Finds No Vapors At St. Louis Park H.S.
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. (WCCO) ?¯ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans next month to test about 270 homes and businesses in St. Louis Park for potentially hazardous vapors.
The EPA wants to determine whether vapors from old chemical spills are seeping into the buildings in the western Twin Cities suburb.
''It's an emerging issue nationally. Only recently has technology been able to sample at these very low levels. Recognizing that, we, very quickly asked for the EPA's assistance,'' said Doug Wetzstein of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Preliminary sampling at St. Louis Park High School and Central Community Center, which includes Park Spanish Immersion School, showed no vapors present in the soil beneath either building that would impair indoor air quality, the MPCA said in a statement Wednesday. Of the 12 samples analyzed, six were free of the chemicals and six were ''well below levels of concern,'' the agency said.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Brad Moore said officials don't see an imminent public health threat at this time.
The EPA said it's seen no evidence that the vapors are getting into buildings, but it wants to check the properties near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue.
A letter explaining the study was sent out late Monday.
''The cooperating agencies wish to assure you there is no evidence suggesting an imminent health risk to occupants, but the potential vapor intrusion problem needs to be checked out,'' the letter said.
Recently, chemical compounds used as solvents and degreasers were found in shallow groundwater and soil in St. Louis Park. However, authorities said that because city water is pulled from deeper aquifers, drinking water supplies aren't affected.
Moore said the upcoming stretch of cold weather will be a good time to check for the chemicals, commonly called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
''Homes are closed up,'' Moore said. ''If there are going to be problems related to VOCs, this is when you would expect to see those problems.''
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Brad Moore said officials don't see an imminent public health threat at this time.The EPA said it's seen no evidence that the vapors are getting into buildings, but it wants to check the properties near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue.A letter explaining the study was sent out late Monday.''The cooperating agencies wish to assure you there is no evidence suggesting an imminent health risk to occupants, but the potential vapor intrusion problem needs to be checked out,'' the letter said.Recently, chemical compounds used as solvents and degreasers were found in shallow groundwater and soil in St. Louis Park. However, authorities said that because city water is pulled from deeper aquifers, drinking water supplies aren't affected.Moore said the upcoming stretch of cold weather will be a good time to check for the chemicals, commonly called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.''Homes are closed up,'' Moore said. ''If there are going to be problems related to VOCs, this is when you would expect to see those problems.''
By WCCO Update
