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Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Universal Pressure Pumping (Formerly: Universal Well Services, Bradford Electronics) in Bradford, Pennsylvania

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Cleanup Status

In August 1999, EPA performed an Environmental Indicators on-site visitation and made an determination that no further corrective action was necessary during the time of the visitation.

By letter dated October 18, 2006, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) approved the August 21, 2006 Final Report submitted on behalf of Bradford Electronics pursuant to Pennsylvania's Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (Act 2). In the October letter, PADEP indicated groundwater in the deep aquifer achieved a residential statewide health standard, which means that the water meets level established for drinking water. The site also attained a non-residential statewide health standard for site-wide soils and a site-specific standard for the shallow aquifer. In addition, PADEP required Bradford Electronics implement institutional measure to prohibit use of shallow groundwater for potable purposes by a deed restriction and file a deed notice for the non-residential site-wide soils.

In June 2007, EPA issued a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Statement of Basis and an Agency Determination for Corrective Action Complete with Controls.

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Site Description

Interactive Map of Universal Well Services Incorporated, Bradford, Pennsylvania


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The Bradford Electronics, Inc. (Bradford) facility is located in Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania. The facility is nearly 10 acres in size. In late 1958, Corning Glass built the Corning Electronics plant in Bradford. In 1987, the facility was sold to Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. of Malvern, Pennsylvania. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc was the parent company of Bradford Electronics. A portion of the facility was sold to Bradford Economic Development. The Pepperell Braiding Company currently occupies the building that was sold. Bradford Electronics operated the Facility until 2002 when the Facility was decommissioned. The site remained vacant until Bradford Electronics sold the property in 2006 to Bob Cummins Construction Company. The property is currently used by Cummins Company for non-residential use.

Between 1958 and 2002, the facility owners manufactured electronic resistors and metal film resistors. In the maufacturing process, various solvents were used and stored, including: toluene, isopropanol, xylene, butyl-acetate, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Trichloroethylene was used at the Facility from 1958 to 1973. In 1981, Corning notified EPA that the facility had generated hazardous wastes. Corning also notified EPA that the facility had a 600-gallon storage tank, an incinerator, containerized waste, and a 460 cubic yard waste pile. During the last stages of operation of the facility, Bradford Electronics was registered as a small quantity generator of hazardous waste. The hazardous wastes were generated in small quantities and stored at the facility for less than 90 days. When the site was decommissioned during 2001-2002, all hazardous wastes were disposed of at a licensed disposal facility.

The nearby residents are served potable water from the Bradford City Water Authority via three surface water reservoirs. Approximately 1,200 people nearby the facility area are assumed to be supplied potable water from private domestic wells. The nearest well is located approximately 0.4 miles northeast of the facility.

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Contaminants at this Facility

In the maufacturing process, various solvents were used and stored, including: toluene, isopropanol, xylene, butyl-acetate, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane.

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Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility

Institutional /Engineering Control Summary
Restrictions or Controls that Address: Yes No
Groundwater Use
X
 
Residential Use
X
 
Excavation
 
X
Vapor Intrusion
 
X
Capped Area(s)
 
X
Other Engineering Controls
 
X
Other Restrictions
 
X

Institutitonal Controls at the facility include:

  • Probibiting use of shall groundwater for potable purposes.
  • Restricting facility is use for non-residential purposes only.

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Land Reuse Information at this Facility

The facility is under continued use.

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Site Responsibility at this Facility

RCRA Corrective Action activities at this facility have been conducted under the direction of EPA Region 3.

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