Legislators in Ambler, Upper Dublin and Whitpan, PA Urge EPA to Remediate Asbestos-Contaminated BoRit Site

On July 16, 2009, the Montgomery News reported that three Pennsylvania state legislators had written to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that the EPA not consider dirt capping at the asbestos-contaminated BoRit site in Ambler, PA.

The EPA letters were sent by Pennsylvania state Senator Stewart Greenleaf, who represents citizens in Montgomery and Bucks Counties, and District Representatives Rick Taylor and Michael Gerber (who both represent voting districts in Montgomery County).  Their comments expressed concerns similar to those included in a June 11, 2009 letter sent by U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA).

All four lawmakers urged the EPA to conduct a full remediation of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) from the site, as opposed to using fill to cover the asbestos-contaminated property.

In June 2009, 6,300 cubic yards of fill material had been delivered to the site, and the EPA indicates that an additional 7,770 cubic yards of material would soon be delivered. The fill is intended to be used in the removal and potential remedial stages of the cleanup, including projects to build a ramp to cross the Rose Valley Creek and to stabilize the banks of Rose Valley Creek, Tannery Run and Wissahickon Creek.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.