strasburg landfill

STRASBURG ROAD

The 302-acre Strasburg Landfill site, located in Chester County, Pennsylvania was purchased in 1973, by Strasburg Associates and received a permit in 1975, to accept municipal wastes. However, no landfilling was conducted during that period. In 1978, Strasburg Associates sold the property to Strasburg Landfill Associates. The new owner eventually began landfilling operations, using 24 acres near the center of the site. In 1979, the landfill was licensed to receive industrial waste under a new permit. Records show that Diamond Shamrock Chemicals Company sent 500 to 600 tons of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wastes to the landfill in 1979, and that Gichner Mobile Systems disposed of heavy-metal sludge there. The Commonwealth prohibited the landfill from receiving an industrial waste permit in 1980. Early in 1983, the Commonwealth found volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals in on-site monitoring wells and various VOCs in an off-site private well downgradient of the landfill. The same contaminants were discovered in liquids leaching from the site. Later in the year, the Commonwealth closed the operation. About 1,200 people draw drinking water from municipal wells within three miles of the landfill. However, about 75 homes downgradient of the site use private wells. The Brandywine Creek flows within one-half mile of the landfill. Briar Run (one of only two natural trout breeding streams in SE Pennsylvania), flows into the Brandywine Creek, and is within 200 feet of the site. Soil and on-site wells were contaminated with VOCs and heavy metals including lead and copper from former disposal practices. Drinking water in two private off-site wells and Briar Run downgradient of the site contained VOCs. Since the landfill cap and leachate collection and treatment system have been installed the concentration of contaminants have all dropped below actionable levels. The site no longer poses a measurable risk to the surrounding community. Site Responsibility This site is being addressed through Federal actions and being operated and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

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