East Avenue Study Area: Current Status
In March 2025, EPA collected soil samples from 20 additional residential properties. These samples were delayed due to heavy snowfall in November 2024. The agency is currently awaiting results for these samples.
Previously, EPA analyzed soil samples from 37 properties collected in October 2024. EPA sent Result Summary Letters to these property owners in July 2025. Each property had two samples analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and metals. Soil from 24 properties showed lead levels above the EPA Removal Management Level of 200 mg/kg, prompting further analysis to determine necessary actions to protect health and the environment.
Other constituents, including metals and PAHs, exceeded EPA Regional Screening Levels but were below Removal Management Levels. This indicated that there is no immediate risk but warranted further evaluation. EPA Human Health Risk Assessors confirmed that these levels pose no significant threat under the guidelines of EPA’s Superfund program. The agency plans to release the East Avenue Study Area Report after receiving and reviewing validated March 2025 data. This report is anticipated to be released in fall 2025, followed by a community meeting to discuss the findings and answer questions.
During the week of October 28, 2024, EPA collected soil samples from residential properties in the Study Area to investigate soil contamination. EPA planned to return in mid-December 2024 to collect additional soil samples from properties that were unable to be scheduled during the week in October. However, due to heavy snowfall in Erie over the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, EPA postponed the additional soil sample collections until late March or early April 2025. EPA and EPA contractors will coordinate with property owners as soil sampling in the Study Area continue. The purpose of this investigation is to gather information to determine the need for further action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the focus is on assessing the potential impact of air emissions on soil within the Study Area. The goals of this investigation are to:
- Collect soil samples on residential and commercial areas inside the Study Area to see if contaminants may have come from the former Erie Coke facility. EPA will look for contaminants like heavy metals including chromium, arsenic and lead, or semi volatile organic compounds such as naphthalene or benzo(a)pyrene.
- Compare soil samples to background levels. “Background” refers to locations that are not influenced by the Erie Coke facility or refers to levels that may naturally occur.
- Determine if contaminants are present in the soil that may pose a threat to human health and the environment, and
- Decide next steps for the Study Area.
If EPA finds levels of soil contamination that pose a threat to human health and the environment, they may take further action. One example of further action may be that EPA would redefine the boundaries of the Study Area based on the results of soil samples.
EPA finalized a Field Sampling Plan for the East Avenue Study Area in June 2024. This Field Sampling Plan outlines specific procedures for collecting samples, methods of analysis, and quality control requirements among other items.