Evaluation of Lead Contamination Surrounding a Rifle Range

Rhea was recently contracted to complete a lead assessment at private property next to a Rifle Range. A lead assessment was necessary due to the presence of lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination on the Property, caused from the operation of an adjoining Rifle Range. Contamination was a direct result of spent lead shot and sporting clays used during shooting activities. Lead contamination migrated onto the Property through a creek that flowed from the Rifle Range property to the Property, causing wide-spread contamination throughout soil, creeks, tributaries, and wetlands.

Rhea collected soil samples from the Property and surface water and sediment samples from the creek to investigate the extent of contamination and determined lead and PAH contamination not only include ecosystem risks but also impacts to the value, use, and the ability to transfer the property. Results supported the theory that contamination was likely caused by the Rifle Range. A larger-scaled investigation was then completed by a firm contracted by the Rifle Range where Rhea assisted in reviewing their work plan, providing oversight, reviewing analytical data, and communicating with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). 

This project is on-going and requires further investigation to fully delineate the extent of contamination on the Rifle Range and on the Property and to resolve residual contamination in the area.

Services: Environmental Services , Field Monitoring + Management

Industries: Commercial + Industrial