MUNCIE, Ind. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will investigate whether chemical vapors are migrating from a Muncie Superfund site into as many as 50 nearby homes.
The yearlong study is part of a $700,000 cleanup at the former Kiser Plating factory, located about a block from the YMCA of Muncie, a fast-food restaurant and a health clinic, The Star Press reports.
“What we’re really concerned about is vapor intrusion exposure or threat,” said Shelly Lam, on-scene coordinator in the EPA’s Superfund Division.
Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile chemicals from contaminated ground water or soil enter a building like radon gas seeping into homes.
“They can actually travel with the ground water,” Lam said of volatile organic compounds. “They volatilize like rubbing alcohol with the cap left off.”
The volatile vapors can migrate with ground water and enter homes through porous or cracked foundations, she said.
“People can be exposed without even knowing it,” she said.
The EPA has scheduled a public meeting to answer questions about the cleanup and vapor intrusion study Wednesday evening at a library.
“We will work with residents right around the site to sample the air under their homes and in their homes,” Lam said. “If we find some site chemicals above health-related values, we will install a mitigation system, like a radon system. It vents those vapors so they’re not a threat to people in the house.”
The EPA estimates up to 50 homes will be studied.
“If we find more than 50 are affected, of course we will do additional work,” Lam said.
Kiser Corp. operated plating operations at the site from 1911 to 1999. A fire destroyed most buildings there in 2001.
