SPS Technologies on Tuesday, Feb. 18, continues to smoke. Photo by James Short.
As part of the aftermath of the fire at SPS Technologies, federal and local agencies continue to conduct extensive testing the quality of air, water and soil around the affected area in Jenkintown and Abington.
The latest testing results, conducted by TRC, revealed that, in soils, arsenic was "slightly elevated" in a few of the samples, but all other compounds, including asbestos, cyanide, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals, were either not detected or were detected at concentrations below the regulatory standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) for residential properties.
According to officials, these slightly elevated levels are not due to the fire and have been caused by "human industrial activity." Testing results "have not indicated that there are any signs of hazard due to the fire."
"While this was an unanticipated finding, we have learned that it is not uncommon to find elevated arsenic levels in our area due to natural geological processes and human industrial activity," Rep. Ben Sanchez said.
SPS Technologies’ metal fasteners production processes did not use arsenic. Arsenic is present in soils throughout Pennsylvania due to naturally occurring minerals and/or to historical activities such as pesticide application or the use of pressure-treated wood. The concentrations observed are typical of this geographical region.
Additionally, all surface wipe results were below laboratory detection limits and below all relevant health-based screening guidelines.
Jenkintown Borough, Abington Township, PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Health and Human Services are all working in conjunction to keep all communities informed on the most up-to-date information.
Residents can stayed informed on the updates by visiting the SPS Technologies website, the Jenkintown Borough website (www.jenkintownboro.com), and the Abington Township Website.
Additionally, the Pa. DEP and EPA have useful information regarding these types of incidents and general information regarding air and water quality testing that is occurring in our area.
