Ohio EJ Short Video Contest 1st Place: Behr Dayton Thermal Systems VOC Plume

Created by: University of Dayton students Paul Azzi, Jennifer Biette, Jessica Hanley, McLean Johnson, Kiersten Manifold.

Faculty/Staff Advisor - Leslie King, Coordinator, Rivers Institute, University of Dayton

Summary:

The US EPA calls the McCook Field neighborhood one of the worst contamination sites in the country. In 1989 or 1990, Trichloroethene or TCE - used by the former Chrysler plant (now the Behr Corporation) to clean automotive parts - was spilled or leaked into the ground. The TCE plume has traveled underground beneath an entire neighborhood, causing exposure through soil vapor intrusion to 400 homes, many businesses, and two schools. A study by the Ohio Department of Health in 2008 found higher than expected number of cancer cases in McCook Field associated with TCE exposure. TCE is a known carcinogen, and is also linked to permanent nerve liver and kidney damage.

In 2009, the Behr VOC plume area was designated Ohios 48th Superfund Site by the US EPA, and a work plan for the investigation of the clean-up has been approved. Currently, the community is trying to get as many homes tested or re-tested, and ventilation systems inspected and repaired if needed. BVOCAL Behr VOC Area Leaders is the local community group in the McCook Field neighborhood that has worked for resident safety, information, and involvement as relates to the Behr plume.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Behr
• Dayton
• Voc
• Plume