You will likely begin by finding out what you can about the history of the superfund site. What industries were operating when the site was open? What types of chemical waste were dumped there? Since the groundwater is known to be contaminated, the water that you drink and use for bathing will have to come from another source. I suspect that you are using a municipal water supply, that is fed by wells that are located far away from the contaminated groundwater. It is unlikely that hazardous chemical waste will percolate up into your basement, unless your house is located on top of the original dump site. In Love Canal, New York, homes were built directly over an old waste dump, and that is what resulted in basement seepage. If I were in your situation, I would begin by finding out where my drinking water comes from, and if there is an annual water quality report on file, I would be studying it.

My first reaction is, Wow! The situation you described reminds me of Woburn, MA.

My next reaction is to tell you relax, and focus on getting quality answers from reliable sources.

There are too many variables for anyone without specific knowledge of your situation to suggest what you should do. Questions like when did it happen, what was(were) the primary contaminant(s), where did it occur, what testing was done then and what were the results, what corrective action and remediation followed, has there been any monitoring since, etc., all come to immediate mind. Other questions will follow. Also, how did you learn about the history - was it disclosed in real estate transaction, or did you learn of it from others afterwards?

As far as getting answers, I would start with your state's department of environmental quality or natural resources or whatever it's called to get answers to the historical questions. If there was a Superfund site involved then there should be EPA records. You may be able to access some of that with good searching of their sites (which are typically convoluted). Was there a lawsuit ? If so that may be another source of info. Your goal is to get an accurate picture of what happened, and what specific contaminants were involved.

As far as testing, yes there are many labs that will do the kinds of tests that would be appropriate. Find them by looking/searching for "environmental testing laboratories", Here is one example located in the NE. But a warning - those kinds of tests are typically quite expensive -- hundreds to thousands per test - and you need to know exactly what you are looking/testing for.

First, seek accurate information, unembellished by emotion or agenda. Once you have the answers you can add your own emotion afterwards.

As far as gardening, do you have a local county ag extension office? How about a Master Gardeners group? Any gardening clubs? If so, they may be able to guide you on the risks and what is known as far as the pertinent concerns. If you are at all concerned, then until you have some answers go with raised beds with "imported soil" and containers. Enjoy the gardening while you look for answers.

This post was edited by TXEB on Sun, Apr 28, 13 at 10:29

Based on the limited information in your initial post, it is unlikely that your soil is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOC) or heavy metals. It is true that liquids can migrate through soil, but it is also true that soils tend to trap organic molecules, and hold them in place. Gasses can percolate up through the soil, but these will then enter the atmosphere when they reach the surface, so gasses do not accumulate in the soil. If there is a smelter, with a smokestack, in your area, then there is a possibility that some sort of dust or particulate has settled onto your yard, and that could be a source of heavy metal contamination. But, you did not mention any smelter or smokestack, so I do not think this this is a likely source of toxic residual contaminant.

Very interesting!

Without detailed info I would tend to agree with the assessment that it's unlikely to be affecting your garden. Groundwater is certainly flowing under your house and the entire neighborhood, but likely several feet to even tens of feet down.

Definitely find the state's project manager for the site, and if there isn't one, it will be someone at the EPA Regional Office. You can ask them what the concentrations are in your neighborhood and how deep the groundwater is.

3 miles is pretty far away.

Can you tell us the name of the facility or site? Or at least what town or county you are in.

EPA has a page where you can search by zip code for various kinds of environmental info. Probably the "Cleanups in My Community" search would be the most direct.

I would be glad to try to help you get more info if you post the location or site name.

Here is a link that might be useful: EPA - Where You Live

People living within some miles of the plumes of the 6 superfund sites we have around here have, and continue to have, their ground water tested by the EPA as part of the monitoring of those site. Last year the test areas of some of the sites were enlarged because well contamination was found to be larger then expected. So, before finding a lab to test your water check with your counties health department to see if you do and can get your water tested by them.

Before looking for any kind of testing services I would be talking to the state agency and/or EPA about the horizontal extent and vertical depth of the plume. If there is testing going on, it will be done by EPA, their contractors, or the responsible party or their contractors. I assume kimmsr is referring to private wells, and if you have your own well, you can get tests done by the county or state health dept. But I would still go to the regulators first and find out all about this site. If nothing else you have to know *exactly* what to test for before you can have any tests run.

Your local public library may be a depository for documents about the site (that was a case where I used to work).

That's right, if it's actually a Superfund cleanup there will be a local Document Repository established. But beware it can be a LOT of paper full of highly technical jargon. I would still (also) recommend talking to the agency project manager for more direct info on how your location is affected.