Inform & Protect Haverford Twp. Suspend Harvard Rd development until ALL appropriate tests are conducted and results, inspections, infractions, are made public and enforced (via meeting) Dec 16 2015

http://www.fox29.com/news/local-news/fox-29-investigates/99832649-story

Harvard Rd development is a Sturbridge Builders/Harvard Seven LLC property and (former location of McCandless Fuels and Good Roads businesses; fuel and asphalt production and distribution facilities).

Residents have observed and recorded numerous actions by the developer/contractors including the Nov 16 pumping of water from a contaminated excavation onto another lot on the property and into Naylor's Creek. Also storing contaminated soil on site for many months, discoveries of oil, tar, coal, asphalt, coal ash, fuel, pipes and other TBD contamination.

Below are some findings and reports from other residents and sources who have spoken to our resident group. If there is any error it is unintentional as these seem like legitimate assessments, knowledge, and sharing from local residents. Please report any errors and we will correct or remove them.

Some history: These residents have recently discovered that beginning in the 1920’s this property was the location of a few typically environmentally unfriendly businesses. Beginning with Good Roads Inc, a coal, oil, asphalt, tar, and storage/production for the making of roads. This property, also had a small fuel refinery on the eastern portion of the property. From the mid 1940’s to approx 2000, it was the McCandless Coal and Fuel Company. An apparent storage and distributor of fuel energy products including coal, oil, and other fuels for various production and distribution by truck and train. Public DEP files document numerous discoveries of in ground and out of ground oil, fuel and asphalt tanks discharging product into/onto various sections of the property for years.

Monday, Nov 16 2015, the developer was observed/recorded pumping groundwater from a contaminated excavation (observed was an oily sheen, odor, tar, pipes, in the excavation site.) onto Lot 1 thru a silt bag (for silt removal not contaminants) the area quickly overflowed and into the creek/wetlands area immediate to the northwest portion of the property. Site test results in this excavation stated carcinogens like Benzo(a) pyrene and two other Benzo based carcinogens exceeded acceptable levels, for direct contact, by 38-350%. We are still trying to locate the air standards for these contaminants fumes for comparison. They pumped this contaminated excavation water onto the other Lot and into the creek/wetlands for 6 HOURS. Naylor’s Run Creek feeds into Cobb’s Creek, then Darby Creek/Heinz Wildlife Preserve and into the Delaware River.

Thurs. Nov 19, 2015 rain storm triggered storm water to flow across the contaminated parcel, which pooled and left the property and into resident’s back yard. The second time in a month for this resident, where distinguishable cloudy/sheen affected water left the Harvard development and into 540 Washington Ave's backyard.

Since excavation started in April 2015, neighboring residents have observed and recorded black oily substances pooled during digging and excavation whether by a shovel or a backhoe, visually impacted soil on a majority of the property, impacted groundwater via oily sheen, cloudiness, all with excessive sickening fumes for bordering residents primarily the 500 section of Washington Ave. Burning eyes, throats, headache and nausea often drive residents children and pets indoors.

The DEP and residents have been waiting for the Site Characterization Plan from the developer, as part of a 6 month process, where days before it was due, they requested and were granted a 45 day extension. As we understand the DEP will then approve and or make suggestions to the plan.

Over 700 tons of contaminated soil were removed due to contamination months ago. Since early June, another large stock pile (hundreds of tons) has sat on the north side of the property. According to a contractor, the proj mgr told him, the existing pile must be hauled and disposed of offsite and can’t be incinerated due to its excessive levels and unique contaminant(s). This stock pile has sat many times uncovered or partially covered over the six months during the summer, producing dust which has blown around the neighborhood. It is located and just a stone’s throw from the already active rail to trail residents are already using.

Neighboring residents have been forced to endure fumes, forcing them, their children and pets indoors, where the fumes still penetrate their HVAC systems. It is unacceptable and unfair to have residents forced to not use their yards, play outside, or be outside due to these fumes and the unknown health effects they could have in the future. There seems to be no one else policing or holding this developer accountable or enforcing rules and laws.

We understand the Twp deferring to the DEP since after all they are the Dept of Environmental Protection and this is a project now designated to the state. But we believe the TWP knew more than most associated with the history of the property. Shouldn’t they have required more in depth testing and research given the history of the property. The Township’s own Environmental Advisory Council members are on record having raised concerns about residential development, early in the planning and approval process, yet they were dismissed. Along with residents simple requests for deeper set-backs given the number, size, and height of the proposed homes.

The residents also echo that the DEP field person assigned to the project, dismisses and denies their concerns of their observations and quality of life changes. While seeming extremely defensive and empathetic for the developer. Understanding one person doesn't represent the character of the entire organization we need the DEP superiors to get involved. According to the DEP point person they have no authority over the developer? And can’t make them do anything? Is this true? We need to know. Who does, so we can work with them to make sure this project is executed properly and with oversight?

Some of the other documented observations at this site have been, the developer’s contractor hauling contaminated soil from the site and using it on another job in the township in a residential area.

Early this summer, even after residents feared an old existing drain pipe , which originated in the base of the excavation, could still deliver contaminated water, and sediments into the stream were it led. It was” capped” said officials and the developer, but yet during a rain storm, residents recorded red cloudy sediment laden water (only from the excavation) flowing into the creek during the course of the storm. Finally this pipe was mostly removed and capped again.

Residents want an advocate in the DEP and other officials. After all, we haven’t done anything wrong and need answers and support. Not continued dismissal and non response.

During the Nov 16 pumping incident, the DEP was warned of it the Friday (13th) before, when neighbors observed workers, starting to pump until they saw residents watching and filming them. The DEP was notified then. And again as it was happening Monday morning Nov 16. When did they arrive, Weds and reported no sheen on the water. Of course not, it had almost 48 hours for the creek to transport it downstream to Cobb's and Darby creeks, and toward the Delaware.

How many more times must residents concerns be taken seriously and proven valid before state and local officials understand and have their interests in mind? When will fines be levied?

What started as a developer affecting its immediate neighbors, has now been allowed to impact all of the neighborhoods along the banks of the waterways where all of this water travels. As well as the air neighbors have been forced to breathe for over six months.

Besides the full transparency of all tests, codes, inspections, fulfillment. We are asking for:
- complete environmental testing of the entire property
- air sampling monitors (since May)
- sampling of residents soils where storm water left Harvard Rd property onto their property
- sampling results of water to date especially, those taken before/during the pumping incident
- samples of any current or future groundwater and pooled property storm or other water, before it is discharged into the creek.
- more reasonable deeper set backs on remaining excavation/construction.
- trees, vegetation, and higher fencing at developer or townships expense to replenish some privacy due to height and set backs of new homes.
- proper grades, drainage and storm-water plan, again challenged by the number and excavation of homes. As well as infiltration beds concerns due to contamination.

Publish all above results before any work resumes.

No new construction until PA DEP and any other official environmental report is finalized approved and published as a result of recent events.