[CPEO-MEF] Lead thiocyanate

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Submitted by Laura Olah <info@cswab.org>  

Burning Buildings with LEAD THIOCYANATE?

INFORMATION REQUEST: We are looking for information about other military
bases where lead thiocyanate was a contaminant found in buildings or
associated structures.  Please reply to Laura Olah, Citizens for Safe
Water Around Badger, at info@cswab.org.

BACKGROUND: The EPA is currently considering proposals by the U.S. Army
to open burn buildings at the Ravenna Arsenal in Ohio.  According to
Remedial Investigations for Load Lines 6 and 9 (which were previously
burned), testing for cyanide was required for groundwater, sewer water,
sump water samples from manholes and sumps, surface soil, subsurface
soil, ditch sediments, potable water, and sub-floor soil sampling. The
testing was reportedly conducted because lead thiocyanate was identified
as a potential contaminant of concern in these buildings.

Lead thiocyanate will decompose at elevated temperatures giving off
toxic fumes, specifically cyanide gas.  (Source: GFS Chemicals Material
Safety Data Sheet for Lead Thiocyanate, July 1994.)  Consequently,
identifying potential contaminant source in buildings slated for burning
is important in calculating potential emissions and associated risks.

According to a reply from EPA this week, the agency intends to "raise
the issue of lead thiocyanate to the Army" as part of its evaluation.  


Laura Olah, Executive Director
Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger  
E12629 Weigands Bay S  Merrimac, WI 53561  
phone: (608)643-3124  fax: (608)643-0005  
email: info@cswab.org  website: www.cswab.org

      

-- 


Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org
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