An analysis of alternatives performed by the HSCA program in 2013 recommended complete demolition of the LHC building followed by remediation of the exposed soil to levels that would allow release of the property for unrestricted use. However, prior to releasing the building for unrestricted use, remediation of the sub slab soil will need to be accomplished. The gamma radiation dose resulting from sub-slab radium contamination does not pose a threat to health and safety of the occupants, visitors or maintenance personnel under current building use scenario. A systematic floor level gamma survey indicated that subslab soil contamination was widespread, especially under the front of the building where the community room and building manager's office are located. A soil sample from beneath the first floor slab exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of radium-226. The building's passive radon mitigation system was converted to an active system in response to elevated radon levels. Interior characterization of the LHC building involved floor surface gamma measurements, sub-slab soil sampling and radon testing. The LHC building consists of 11 apartments for elderly tenants who qualify for HUD-subsidized housing. Total cost to date for cleanup of the adjacent properties exceeded $3 million. Restoration (parking lot, landscaping, sidewalks, etc.) of the adjacent properties was completed in April, 2012. Following a comment period involving the Department and HSCA, the Department decided that the remedial action of choice was to remove all contaminated soil from the adjacent properties and release the properties for unrestricted use.Īll adjacent properties were decontaminated by October, 2011 with the exception of removal of soil from underneath the floor slab of the Lock Haven Court (LHC) building. HSCA contractors performed a Feasibility Study with remedial options in April 2010. While the contamination mainly affects one adjacent property, localized "hotspots" have been found on at least four other properties. Characterization of the surrounding properties was performed in 2009. This was not identified earlier due to detection interference from the higher radiation levels on the main property. The two former Karnish Instruments sites were released for unrestricted use in early 2009.ĭuring final surveys of the main affected property, it was found that additional contamination existed on neighboring properties. To date, the cleanup has cost over $5 million. Additionally 40,000 cubic feet of soil was disposed of at the same location. The remediation included the complete demolition and disposal of the building as radioactive waste at a licensed facility in Utah. In 2008, the two known affected properties were cleaned up under the HSCA program. The Commonwealth's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) group was brought in to facilitate the site characterization and cleanup. A characterization of the building and surrounding soils showed widespread contamination including under the foundation of the building. The rental and repair business property was clearly the most affected property. During a follow up investigation the Department determined that both properties were contaminated. In 2007 the Department became aware of the existence of the significant levels of contamination on the property.ĭuring discussions with the owner of another contaminated instrument repair facility located in Lock Haven, the Department was made aware of the former Karnish Instruments operations. In approximately 2004 the owner remodeled the then-vacant second floor turning it into four apartments. The rental and repair business owner was completely unaware of the former use of radioactive materials on the property. The Third Avenue building sat vacant until 1982 when an equipment rental and repair shop moved in. The business moved across town to a larger facility on Third Avenue, Lock Haven in 1953 and continued operations until 1979. The building was gone prior to the Department becoming aware of the existence of a relatively small amount of radium contaminated soil around the original building footprint. The business was established shortly after World War II at a small building adjacent to the Piper Memorial Airport in Lock Haven. The use of solvents and other techniques appear to have been common for paint removal. The operations performed involved the removal and application of radium paints on instrument dials and pointers. Karnish Instruments was a manufacturing and repair facility for aircraft instruments. See our Site Disclaimer for more information. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) makes no claim regarding the validity of the information provided. This site description was provided by the cognizant Agreement State, and the U.S.
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