The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with various parties to conduct a limited vapor intrusion study at select homes in the Eastern Heights residential community located close to the Grenada Stamping (formerly Grenada Manufacturing, LLC) facility in Grenada, Mississippi. This study is part of a precautionary approach to protect public health and the environment.  Environmental sampling results from groundwater and soil vapor collected on the edge of the community have revealed a potential concern for contaminants trapped in groundwater that may possibly be traveling off of the facility’s property line into the nearby community.

A vapor intrusion study is necessary to evaluate whether site-related contamination, primarily the solvent trichloroethylene (TCE), may be entering structures in the form of a gas (or vapor) from contamination below ground (also referred to as vapor intrusion to indoor air. TCE is a non-flammable, colorless liquid used as a solvent for cleaning metal parts. It is a common groundwater contaminant.

Most recently, during the week of February 29, 2016, EPA oversaw ambient air and vapor intrusion sampling in Grenada. Contractors for the responsible party, Granada Manufacturing, LLC, conducted air sampling around and in homes located near the facility to determine if residents are being exposed to potentially harmful levels of TCE. Sampling results are expected sometime this spring.

In keeping with its mission to protect human health and the environment, EPA is committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way.