[StBernard] EPA Posts Sampling Data from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita - EPA Releases Murphy Oil Sampling Data

[Westley Annis]

EPA Posts Sampling Data from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita - EPA Releases
Murphy Oil Sampling Data 

Contact:  Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn at epa.gov
                                
     On Nov. 21 EPA posted results from 102 more Murphy Oil samples taken at
residential and other properties near the oil spill at Murphy's Meraux
Refinery in St. Bernard Parish, La.  These sample results were consistent
with other samples taken.  The primary contaminants detected in the new
sediment samples that were above the Louisiana Department of Environmental
Quality Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Screening Standards for Soil were
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are commonly found in fuel
oils and crude oil, diesel and oil range organic chemicals.  The screening
level risk evaluation were intended to be protective levels based on
long-term (i.e., 30-year) exposures to children and adults in a residential
setting. 

     EPA recommends, in the short-term, that residents returning to the area
should avoid direct contact with the crude oil contaminated sediments.
These compounds can pose a skin irritation problem if they get onto bare or
broken skin.  Skin contact with crude oils for short periods may cause
itchy, red, sore, or peeling skin. 

     Thus far Murphy has collected 2448 sediment samples from 1390
residences.  Of the 2448 sediment samples collected, US EPA has sent 249
split samples for separate analyses.  One hundred ninety-four samples are
now posted.  The results of these samples will be posted as they become
available.          
                                                                
     For more information on these results and EPA recommendations, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/murphy/index.html.