The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comments from residents on a proposed cleanup work plan for Exide Technologies’ Bernhart Park facility in Muhlenberg Township, Pa.
The plan was submitted by Exide Technologies, which is performing the cleanup work under an order issued by EPA in 2000. The park is owned by the city of Reading, Pa.
The source of lead in Bernhart Park and surrounding communities was a lead smelter that operated for more than 35 years. The emissions happened prior to the installation of air pollution controls and the advent of the Clean Air Act of 1970.
The facility began operating as a battery manufacturing plant in the mid-1930s under the ownership of the Bowers Battery Co. General Battery Corp. purchased the smelter in 1958, and was in turn acquired by Exide in 1987.
Currently, the facility operations are subject to air permits issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality. The Pennsylvania DEP is reviewing the work plan submitted by Exide. Exide’s proposed cleanup plan, after review and public comment, will result in the cleanup and re-opening of the park.
Comments on the proposed cleanup work plan should be submitted to EPA by May 17, 2010. All comments should be submitted in writing via mail, fax, or email and directed to: Khai M. Dao, Project Manager, U.S. EPA - Region 3, 1650 Arch Street (3LC30), Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029. Fax: 215-814-3113, Email: dao.khai.epa.gov, Phone: 1-800-352-1973 ext. 45467.