EPA zeros in on sewer line polluters
Forensic investigation points to early 1960s silicon chip makers
by Daniel DeBoltMountain View Voice February 19, 2015
In the investigation of the toxics found under homes on Evandale Avenue in 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency has narrowed the list of suspected polluters to three companies that had manufacturing plants in early 1960s Mountain View.
The EPA announced last week that it suspects Silicon Valley pioneer Fairchild Semiconductor, along with Raytheon and Union Carbide, for the "hot spots" of toxic trichloroethylene (TCE) that sat in the the groundwater and soil for decades along Leong Drive and Evandale Avenue.
The agency says the soil and groundwater contamination leaked out of sewer lines after it was dumped or leaked into the sewer by the companies. It caused at least two homes to have elevated levels of carcinogenic vapors inside that had risen from the ground (drinking water was not contaminated).
"EPA knows TCE was released and we know the companies that would have discharged TCE in this time frame," said EPA project manager Alana Lee as she presented the investigation results to the Moffett Field Restoration Advisory Board on Feb. 12. "We've identified three MEW (Superfund site) parties: Fairchild Semiconductor, Raytheon and Union Carbide."
The TCE leaked through the city's clay sewer pipe, Lee said.
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Lenny Siegel Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight a project of the Pacific Studies Center 278-A Hope Street Mountain View, CA 94041 Voice: 650-961-8918 or 650-969-1545 Fax: 650-961-8918
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