Bartram’s Garden, a historic site known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, is facing a serious contamination issue. The public trail at the garden has tested high for hexavalent chromium, a harmful chemical that is known to cause cancer.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection conducted soil samples at four spots along the Bartram’s Mile Trail and found elevated levels of hexavalent chromium. Two samples exceeded the standard level of 37 mg/kg, measuring 57 mg/kg and 62 mg/kg.
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DEP officials tested soil from 10 locations in total, including six spots tested in July. The results showed chromium in four samples, with the highest reading at 77 mg/kg. However, the substance was not found in surface water samples taken from the Schuylkill River.
DEP also tested standing water in a drainage ditch on the property, and both samples exceeded the hexavalent chromium standard. Cleanup efforts are underway, with DEP instructing the property owner to enhance their cleanup activities to address the contamination source.
Provided image/DEP
DEP collected soil samples from 10 locations on this map Aug. 13. Yellow dots indicate areas with lower concentrations of hexavalent chromium, while red dots represent areas exceeding the standard limit.
Bartram’s Garden took prompt action to close the affected section of the public trail when a visitor reported a green liquid flowing across the path. DEP and the Philadelphia Water Department were contacted, and subsequent testing revealed the presence of hexavalent chromium.
Coordination for cleanup efforts has been ongoing with the property owner, Alliance 51st Street LLC, who aims to redevelop the site for nonresidential use. Regular inspections are being conducted to monitor compliance with cleanup actions.
DEP is committed to ensuring safety at the site with bi-weekly inspections and stormwater control measures. The impacted trail section will remain closed until all contaminants are removed, while public activities like fishing and biking have resumed after testing.
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