BoRit Asbestos

Superfund site in Pennsylvania

Aerial view of the BoRit Asbestos Superfund Site

The BoRit Asbestos Site is a Superfund site located in Ambler, Pennsylvania, a small town in Montgomery County. This site has a long history of asbestos contamination due to its past industrial activities. The site is named after the BoRit Corporation, which was involved in the disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

History

The Keasbey and Mattison plant in Ambler, PA, circa 1900

The history of the BoRit Asbestos Site is closely tied to the Keasbey and Mattison Company, which began operations in Ambler in the late 19th century. The company was a major manufacturer of asbestos products, including insulation and construction materials. During its peak, the plant employed thousands of workers and contributed significantly to the local economy.

In the early 20th century, the company began disposing of asbestos waste in various locations around Ambler, including the area now known as the BoRit site. This practice continued for several decades, leading to significant environmental contamination.

Environmental Impact

The BoRit Asbestos Superfund Site

The disposal of asbestos waste at the BoRit site has had a lasting impact on the environment and public health. Asbestos fibers, when airborne, pose serious health risks, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The site includes a large asbestos waste pile, a reservoir, and a former park area, all of which have been contaminated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the BoRit site to the National Priorities List in 2009, designating it as a Superfund site. This designation allows for federal funding and resources to be used in the cleanup and remediation of the site.

Remediation Efforts

Since its designation as a Superfund site, significant efforts have been made to remediate the BoRit site. The EPA has worked to stabilize the asbestos waste pile, cap contaminated areas, and prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. These efforts are ongoing and involve collaboration with local and state agencies.

Current Status

The BoRit site remains under close monitoring to ensure that remediation efforts are effective and that the site does not pose a risk to the surrounding community. The EPA continues to conduct regular assessments and engage with the local community to address concerns and provide updates on the site's status.

Surrounding Environment

Tannery Run Creek near the BoRit Asbestos Superfund Site

The BoRit site is located near several natural features, including Tannery Run Creek and the Wissahickon Creek. These waterways are important to the local ecosystem and have been a focus of environmental monitoring due to their proximity to the contaminated site.

Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve

The nearby Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve is a protected area that provides habitat for various species of birds and other wildlife. Efforts have been made to ensure that the preserve remains unaffected by the contamination at the BoRit site.

Related Pages

• Superfund
• Asbestos
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Keasbey and Mattison Company