Location: Philadelphia, PA
Brickhouse performed a Baseline Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) in support of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Act 2 Release of Cleanup Liability through demonstration of attainment for soil. The HHRA evaluation was incorporated into a Remedial Investigation Report (RIR) and Cleanup Plan (CP) to document the characterization and remedial strategy for impacted soil at a High School located in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Site soil consistent with urban fill material was found to be impacted by metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In addition to the on-Site soil evaluation, an evaluation of potential vapor intrusion of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in off-Site buildings due to the known groundwater plumes located in the northeastern and southeastern portions of the property was also evaluated.
The HHRA was conducted in order to characterize the potential exposure and risks associated with soil and migration of soil contaminants through the vapor intrusion pathway. Based on the current use of the Site as a High School, Brickhouse performed a Site-Specific risk evaluation for adolescent exposure to Site soils and indoor air, which took into account the increased vulnerability of adolescents to contaminants that have mutagenic impacts during early lifetime exposures. The HHRA also took into account unique Site-Specific scenarios for teacher and administrative staff exposure. Lastly, given the proximity to nearby residential properties, a hypothetical future resident was evaluated for both soil exposure and potential off-Site residential exposure through the vapor intrusion pathway. Assuming baseline and Site-specific conditions, Brickhouse was able to support demonstration of attainment for soil based on the HHRA findings of no adverse effects to current- and potential future-use receptors at the High School Site and surrounding areas.