Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

OF

133-139 West Green Street City of Hazleton Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

Date: October 24, 2022 Project #: 1072119.002-01-01PH1EA

Executive Summary

Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the property located at 133-139 West Green Street in the City of Hazleton, Luzerne County. This Phase I ESA was prepared in general accordance with the scope and limitations of American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) Standard E1527-13 and ASTM Standard E1527-21. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized that ASTM E1527-13 complies with the Federal Standards and Practices for all appropriate inquiry (40 CFR Part 312).

Research and interviews have revealed that the subject site had originally occupied by a schoolhouse prior to the construction of the first church dedicated to St. Paul in 1860. The original church was later replaced by new structure in 1873. The structure which currently occupies the subject site was constructed in 1898. The building had been renovated several times throughout its history with reported renovations occurring in 1932, 1950, 1972, and in the late 1990s. The church was then closed in 2004 and subsequently abandoned.

A government database search was performed to identify sites of known environmental impact or sites that have the potential to cause an environmental concern. The database identified 48 sites within the radii searched according to ASTM protocols. These sites included listings for SEMS- ARCHIVE, CORRACTS, HSCA, LUST/LAST, PA Act 2 Deed, VCP, Federal Brownfields, RCRA generators, HMGP, Hist Auto, and Hist Dry cleaners. These sites were reviewed and were determined to have a minimal potential to impact the subject site.

A Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection record search revealed no relevant records pertaining to the subject site.

This Phase I ESA has revealed evidence of the following recognized environmental conditions (REC) in connection with the subject site:

1. Six 275-gallon heating oil aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) were observed within the basement of the building. Signs of petroleum staining were observed on the concrete pad surrounding the tanks, and the odor of petroleum was present in the area the ASTs. The potential for a release to have contaminated the soil on-site exists.

Isett has assessed vapor encroachment concerns (VECs) using the Tier 1 Vapor Encroachment Screening VES approach, in general accordance with ASTM E2600-15. VECs were addressed within the body of the report. Based on the resources evaluated as part of this Phase I ESA, a VEC cannot be ruled out.

This Phase I ESA has revealed evidence of RECs in connection with the subject site that warrant the following recommendation:

1. Additional investigation is warranted at the subject site to determine if impacts are present from the six heating oil ASTs observed in the basement.

It must be noted that the information contained within this Executive Summary does not constitute the complete Phase I ESA. The following report must be read in its entirety.

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Scope of Services

1.2 Data Gaps

2.0 USER PROVIDED INFORMATION

3.0 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

3.1 Current Use of Adjoining Properties

3.2 Topography

3.3 Soils

3.4 Geology

3.5 Hydrology

4.0 INTERVIEWS/QUESTIONNAIRES

4.1 Property Owner Questionnaire

4.2 User Questionnaire

4.3 Vapor Encroachment Screening (VES) Questionnaire

5.0 RECORDS REVIEW

5.1 Historical Land Use Review

5.2 Government Records Review

5.2.1 Federal and State Records

5.3 Activity and Use Limitation Database Review

5.4 Municipal Right-to-Know Request

5.5 State File Review

5.5.1 PA DEP eFACTS and ESA Search Website

5.6 Review of Prior Reports

6.0 SITE RECONNAISSANCE

6.1 Building

6.2 Exterior

6.3 Adjoining Properties

6.4 Summary

7.0 FINDINGS AND OPINIONS

7.1 Interviews

7.2 Historical Research and Data Gaps

7.3 Government Records

7.4 Site Reconnaissance

8.0 CONCLUSIONS

8.1 Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)

8.2 Non-ASTM Considerations

8.3 Vapor Encroachment Concerns (VECs)

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

Table of Contents

10.0 SIGNIFICANT ASSUMPTIONS

11.0 LIMITATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

12.0 REPORT RELIANCE

13.0 SIGNATURES

14.0 DEFINITIONS

15.0 REFERENCES

List of Appendices

A – Scope of Services

B – EDR Historical Topo Map Report

C – USDA Custom Soil Resource Report

D – Geologic Map

E – Interview Documentation

F – Historical Land Use Documentation

G – Government Database

H – Municipal Right to Know State File Request

I – Site Photographs Site Map

J – Qualifications

Abbreviations

AAI – All Appropriate Inquiry

AMSL – Above Mean Sea Level

AST – Aboveground Storage Tank

ASTM – ASTM International

AUL – Activity and Use Limitation

CERCLIS – Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System

CFR – Code of Federal Regulations

CORRACTS – RCRA Corrective Actions

CREC – Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition

EC – Environmental Covenant

EDR – Environmental Data Resources

ESA – Environmental Site Assessment

EP – Environmental Professional

EPA – Environmental Protection Agency

ERNS – Emergency Response Notification System

FINDS – The Facility Index System

HF – Historical Landfills

HREC – Historical Recognized Environmental Condition

HT – Historical Topographic Map

HSCA – Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act

LAST – Leaking Aboveground Storage Tank

LUST – Leaking Underground Storage Tank

MSC – Medium Specific Concentration

NPL – National Priorities List

PA DEP/Department – Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

PCBs – Polychlorinated Biphenyls

PPB – Parts Per Billion

PPM – Parts Per Million

RCRA – Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System

RCRIS – Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System

RECs – Recognized Environmental Conditions

SEMS – Superfund Enterprise Management System

SFIMs – Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

SHS – Statewide Health Standard

SHWS – State Hazardous Waste Sites

SSS – Site Specific Standard

SWL – Solid Waste Landfills

TSD – Treatment, Storage, and Disposal

UECA – Uniform Environmental Covenants Act

USDA – United States Department of Agriculture

USGS – United States Geological Survey

UST – Underground Storage Tank

VCP – Voluntary Cleanup Program

VEC – Vapor Encroachment Concern

VES – Vapor Encroachment Screening

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 1

Project #1072119.002-01-01PH1EA October 24, 2022

PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT

OF

133-139 WEST GREEN STREET

City of Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. (Isett) was contracted by the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress to perform a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). The subject site is currently a vacant church, with attached rectory, located at 133-139 West Green Street in the City of Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania (PA) (Parcel IDs# 71T8SW1300800800700 and 71T8SW1300807A000). The property boundary was taken from Environmental Data Resources (EDR).

The subject site consists of two adjoining parcels and will be referred to as a single subject site for the remainder of this report.

The purpose of this Phase I ESA was to identify, to the extent feasible, the potential for recognized environmental conditions (RECs) to exist at the subject site.

1.1 Scope of Services

This Phase I ESA complies with the general scope and limitations of the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments:

Phase I ESA Process, Designation E1527-13 and E1527-21 and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Standards and Practices for all appropriate inquires (AAI), 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 312.

Isett notes that the ASTM Phase I ESA E1527-21 Standards that were published in November 2021 have yet to be recognized to comply with the EPA’s AAI. As such, Isett is utilizing both ASTM E1527-13 and E1527-21.

The scope of services comprising this Phase I ESA was conducted to provide a reasonable level of investigation to identify RECs. This term, as well as the associated terms historical REC (HREC), controlled REC (CREC), and de minimis condition, are defined by ASTM E1527-13 and ASTM E1527-21 and these definitions are provided in Section 14.0 of this report.

The detailed Scope of Services for this Phase I ESA can be found in Appendix A.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 2

1.2 Data Gaps

The Phase I ESA historical research objectives, according to Section 8.3 of ASTM E1527-13 and ASTM E1527-21, require identification of all obvious uses of the property back to the property’s first developed use, or to 1940, whichever is earlier; description of all identified uses of the property from the earliest date of development; and description of the property uses at approximately five-year intervals. However, if the specific use of the property appears unchanged for a period longer than five years, then it is not required by this practice to research the use during that period.

The E1527-21 ASTM protocol states that the “report shall identify and comment on significant data gaps that affect the ability of the EP to identify recognized environmental conditions and identify the sources of information that were consulted to address the data gaps.” (E1527-13 Section 7.2/E1527-21 Section 12.6.2)

There were no significant data gaps or data failures encountered during the completion of this assessment that impacted Isett’s ability to identify RECs, except:

Observations within the building were limited to those areas that were readily visible; no wall panels or partitions were moved/removed to facilitate observations nor were ceiling tiles or other overhead finishes moved/removed to facilitate observations. Areas of dense storage or large objects can obscure observation of items such as floor drains, sump pits, environmentally sensitive materials. Observations within dimly lit areas of the building were limited, particularly in the basement of the building where light was limited, and the use of flashlights was necessary.

2.0 USER PROVIDED INFORMATION

Table 1 presents the information provided by Ms. Yosara Gonzales of Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, User of the Report (User).

Table 1: User Provided Information Item Provided by User Discussed Below VES Questionnaire Yes Section 4.3 User Questionnaire Yes Section 4.2 Title Records No Section 5.3 Environmental Liens or Activity and Use Limitations (AULs) No Section 4.2 and 5.3

Specialized Knowledge No Section 4.2 Valuation Reduction for Environmental Issues No Section 4.2

Identification of Key Property Manager Yes Section 4.2 Reason for Performing Phase I ESA Yes Section 4.2 Prior Reports No Section 4.2 and 5.6

3.0 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

The subject site is located at 133-139 West Green Street in the City of Hazleton, Luzerne County, PA. The subject site is rectangular in shape, approximately 0.26-acre in size, and contains two connected buildings, a former church and rectory. At the time of this Phase I ESA, the property was owned by the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress and is currently vacant.

The subject site was reported to have utilized a heating oil fired forced hot air heating system. The subject site was reported to have been connected to the public water and sewer systems, provided

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 3 by the Hazleton City Authority. Ms. Yosara Gonzales reported that the subject site was formerly supplied electricity by Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL).

3.1 Current Use of Adjoining Properties

Adjoining properties are defined as those sharing borders with the subject site or separated only by a street, alley, or other public right-of-way. A summary of adjoining properties as identified during this Phase I ESA is included in the table below.

Table 2: Adjoining Property Information Direction Properties

North The Hazleton Public Library (59 N. Church St.) and a small garage (128 W. Maple St.)

East N. Lee Ct. followed by a parking lot South West Green St. followed by: Verizon Wireless (128 W. Green St.) and a vacant commercial office building (31 N. Church St.)

West The Hazleton Public Library (41 N. Church St.)

3.2 Topography

As shown on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic map of the area (Hazleton Quadrangle), subject site elevation is approximately 1,640 above mean sea level (AMSL).

Site topography is generally flat. Regional topography slopes to the southeast. The site EDR Historical Topo Map Report is included in Appendix B.

3.3 Soils

Soil at the subject site is mapped as Urban Land. Urban Land occurs in mostly industrial and residential areas. Most areas are on uplands, but some are on terraces and flood plains. In many cases, the activities of man have completely destroyed the original soil profile. The site United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Custom Soil Resource Report is included in Appendix C.

3.4 Geology

The subject site is underlain by the Llewellyn Formation (PA Geologic Survey, 2001). The site Geologic Map is included in Appendix D.

The Llewellyn Formation is composed of sandstone, conglomerate, shale, fire clay, slate, and numerous coal beds. The sandstone and conglomerate are well cemented but highly fractured. The beds are exposed in the Wyoming Valley and in the coal fields around Hazleton. The Llewellyn Formation has been folded into a series of shallower troughs near Hazleton. These troughs have been intensely folded, faulted, and, in places, overturned. (Water Resource Report 40, Summary Ground-Water Resources of Luzerne County, PA, 1977).

The maximum reported thickness of this formation is 830 feet (Geyer and Wilshusen, 1982).

Bedding in this formation is moderately well developed, with the sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate occurring in thick to massive beds, while the coal and shale beds are thin. This formation has moderately abundant joints occurring at moderately spaced intervals in a blocky pattern. The fractures occur in a regular sequence, are open and steeply dipping. The strata in this formation are slightly to moderately weathered, to a shallow to moderate depth. The degree of weathering depends upon the exposed lithology. The overlying soil mantle is thin to moderate in depth, with the more easily eroded lithologies producing thicker soils.

Bedding in this formation is moderately well developed. This formation has moderately abundant joints occurring at moderately spaced intervals in a blocky pattern. The fractures occur in a regular

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 4 sequence, are open and steeply dipping. The strata in this formation are slightly to moderately weathered, to a shallow to moderate depth. The degree of weathering depends upon the exposed lithology. The overlying soil mantle is thin to moderate in depth, with the more easily eroded lithologies producing thicker soils (Geyer and Wilshusen, 1982).

3.5 Hydrology

The Llewellyn Formation provides good surface drainage. Water percolates through soils of varying depth, entering the bedrock via pore spaces, joints, crevices, and open bedding planes. The primary porosity of the Llewellyn Formation is low. However, joints, fractures and solution channels produce a moderate secondary porosity. The water bearing zones tend to be secondary openings, joints, fractures, and solution channels. The permeability of this formation is generally low to moderate.

The Llewellyn Formation contains a considerable quantity of water. However, much of this water drains into the mines of the coal basin. This water tends to become acidic. The mining operations have lowered the water table in the formation. The quality of water is poor. It is generally unfit for ordinary use; due chiefly to the oxidation of the pyrite contained in the coal and associated shale.

Well depths range from 115 to 900 feet. Most wells penetrate one or more coal seams. The potable water yields from wells located in this formation range from 2 to 50 gallons per minute. (Water Resource Report 40, Summary Ground-Water Resources of Luzerne County, PA, 1977).

The direction of groundwater flow at the subject site has been estimated from the surface topography, which may provide a general indication of the direction of groundwater flow. The USGS Topographic Map, Hazleton Quadrangle, shows the surface contours in this area to slope to the southeast. Thus, the estimated direction of groundwater flow is expected to be in a southeasterly direction towards Beaver Creek.

4.0 INTERVIEWS/QUESTIONNAIRES

Information requests were completed to gain additional information about the site history, present day conditions of the subject site, and identify RECs in connection with the property. A variety of methods were employed by Isett to obtain information such as telephone conversations, email correspondence, in-person interview and completed questionnaires. Documentation is included in Appendix E. The table below details the information source. Relevant information is summarized below.

The completed questionnaires are the opinions of the respondents/interviewees and summarized by Isett for the purposes of this Phase I ESA. Isett has not attempted to verify the opinions provided by the respondents/interviewees.

Table 3: Summary of Information Requests

Interview Name/Title Type of Interview Date of

Interview

Property Owner Yosara Gonzales/Executive Director Owner Operator Questionnaire 10/4/2022

User Yosara Gonzales/Executive Director User and VES Questionnaire

In-person 10/11/2022

4.1 Property Owner Questionnaire

Ms. Yosara Gonzales completed the Owner/Operator Questionnaire on October 4, 2022. She reported that the subject site had formerly utilized a heating oil fueled heating system. She indicated

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 5 it is currently not operational. The subject site was reported to be connected to the public water and sewer systems.

4.2 User Questionnaire

Ms. Gonzales noted that the intention was for the property to be winterized for later renovations and preservations. The building was noted to be in a deteriorating condition with no heating system currently active, the ceilings were noted to be leaking in certain areas, and paint within the building noted to be flaking and potentially contains lead.

4.3 Vapor Encroachment Screening (VES) Questionnaire

Ms. Gonzales reported that future renovations to the building are planned to include the installation of an elevator shaft. The building was reported to have been heated by a fuel oil furnace with storage tanks currently present on the subject site.

5.0 RECORDS REVIEW

ASTM Standards E1527-13 and E1527-21 state that “the purpose of the records review is to obtain and review records that will help identify RECs in connection with the property” (Section 8.1.1). Isett reviewed reasonably ascertainable records as part of this Phase I ESA to trace the prior ownership and/or land use of the subject site back to the first obvious development or prior to 1940, whichever was earlier. The data sources reviewed included historical topographic (HT) maps, historical aerial photographs, Sanborn® Fire Insurance Maps (SFIM), online property tax files, online historical sources, city street directories, zoning/land use records, or other sources. A government database search was conducted to identify the potential for hazardous materials and petroleum products in an approximate minimum search distance of one mile from the subject site boundary. Also, the local Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP/Department) office was contacted to determine if there were state files for the subject site.

5.1 Historical Land Use Review

Isett has reviewed historical topographic maps, historical aerial photographs, SFIM online property tax assessment records, and city street directories for this report. Below is a summary of the dates and types of information reviewed. The EDR Historical Topographic Map can be found in Appendix B. The historical resources are found in Appendix F.

Table 4: Summary of Reviewed Sources

Document Years In Appendix EDR Historical Topographic Maps

1889, 1891, 1893, 1947, 1949, 1969, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1996, 1997, 2013, 2016, 2019 B

Historical Aerial Photographs 1938, 1957, 1960, 1969, 1976, 1981, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2013, 2017 F

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps 1884, 1891, 1895, 1900, 1905, 1909, 1946, 1948, 1955, 1964, 1966, 1967 F

City Directories 1963, 1968, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014, 2017 F

Tax Assessment Summary 2022 F Deeds None Provided F

Isett has reviewed the above referenced sources. A summary of pertinent findings is provided in the table below.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 6

Table 5: Historical Use Summary

Dates Observations 1880-1890s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Methodist Church and a residential dwelling occupy the subject site (referred to as 305-307 W. Green St.) in the historical Sanborn Maps.

North Residential dwelling (409 W. Maple St..) and vacant land.

South W. Green Street followed by one building (Green Hu).

East N. Lee Ct. followed by Green Street Public School (131 W. Green St.).

West Residential Dwelling (304 W. Green St.).

1900s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Church has expanded and the dwelling which was once present is gone. The attached rectory is present as of the 1900 Sanborn Maps.

North Three Residential dwellings (409 W. Maple St., 53-55 N. Church St. and 59 N.

Church St.).

South W. Green St. followed by one building (Green Hu).

East N. Lee Ct. followed by Green Street Public School which has expanded (131 W. Green St.).

West Residential Dwelling (now referred to as 45 W. Green St.).

1930s Subject Site St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

North Three residential dwellings and a garage building.

South W. Green St. followed by two commercial buildings visible on the 1938 aerial photo.

East N. Lee Ct. followed by Green Street Public School which has expanded (131 W. Green St.)

West One residential dwelling (45 N. Church St.).

1940s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Methodist Church and the attached rectory, now referenced as 129 and 137 W. Green St.

North Several Residential dwellings and a garage building including: 128 W. Maple St, 53-55 N. Church St., and 59 N. Church St.

South W. Green St. followed by the Bell telephone Co. office building (128 W. Green St.) and a Masonic building (35 N. Church St.) noted to have been constructed in 1928 on 1946 Sanborn map.

East N. Lee Ct. followed by Green Street Public School (131 W. Green St.).

West Memorial Library (45 N. Church St.) noted to have been constructed in 1912 on 1946 Sanborn Map.

1950s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Methodist Church and the attached rectory now referenced as 129 and 137 W. Green St.

North Several Residential dwellings and a garage building including: 128 W. Maple St, 53-55 N. Church St., and 59 N. Church St.

1950s

South W. Green St. followed by the Bell Telephone Co. office building (128 W.

Green St.) and a Masonic building containing State offices on 1955 Sanborn map (35 N. Church St.).

East N. Lee Ct. followed by Green Street Public School (131 W. Green St.).

West Memorial Library referred to as 45 N. Church St.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 7

Dates Observations 1960s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Methodist Church (133 W. Green St.) and Paul J. Taylor (139 W.

Green St.) occupy the subject site in 1963. Rev Edwin D. Bennett in 1968 (139 W. Green St.).

North Residential dwellings (128-130 W. Maple St.) and a concrete garage; 53 N.

Church St. The residential dwellings have been observed to be razed and replaced by a single building in the 1969 aerial photograph.

South W. Green St. followed by Bell Telephone Co. of Penna (128 W. Green St.)

and a state office building (35 N. Church St.).

East N. Lee Ct. followed by Green Street Elementary School (131 W. Green St.).

West Former Memorial Library now referred to as the Hazleton Public Library as of 1966 (45 N. Church St.).

1970s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Methodist Church (133 W. Green St.) and Rev. Ralph A. Dower (139 W. Green St).

North The adjoining section of the Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.) and a garage building.

South W. Green St. followed by Bell Telephone Co. of Penna (128 W. Green St.).

East N. Lee Ct. followed by Green Street Elementary School (131 W. Green St.).

West The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.).

1980s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Methodist Church (133 W. Green St.); Rev. Mark R. King (139 W.

Green St.) in 1982 and Jusaf Salam in 1986.

North The adjoining section of the Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.) and a garage building.

South Bell Telephone Co. of Penna (128 W. Green St.).

East N. Lee Ct. followed by Green Street Public School (131 W. Green St.).

West The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.).

1990s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Methodist Church (133 W. Green St.); Rev. Jeffery Snyder occupies the subject site in 1990.

North The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.) and a garage building.

South Bell Telephone Co. of Penna (128 W. Green St.) in 1990. Occupied by Jas W.

Bendrick in 1992-1995. The other commercial building’s occupants (31 N.

Church St.) were unknown.

East N. Lee Ct. followed by a parking lot. The Green St. Public School is no longer visible in the 1993 aerial photo.

West The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.).

2000s

Subject Site St. Paul’s Methodist Church and M. Anziani (133 W. Green St.) occupy the subject site in 2000. The church was closed in 2004.

2000s North The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.) and a garage building.

South W. Green St. followed by the two commercial office buildings. S. Luthner and L. Reinhardt occupy 138 W Green St.

East N. Lee Ct. followed by a parking lot.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 8

Dates Observations 2000s 2000s West The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.).

2010s Subject Site The former St. Paul’s Methodist Church and rectory now vacant.

North The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.) and a garage building.

South

The commercial office building, located at 31 N. Church St., was noted to be vacant as of 2018. Multiple occupants occupied the commercial office building located at 128 W. Green St. as of 2014 including: Heartland Hospice Services, Kreiser Fuel Service, Meier Lawrence & Associates Architect, Mountaintop Paving & Seal coating LLC, Orthopedic Associates, and Premier Marketing.

East N. Lee Ct. followed by a parking lot.

West The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.).

2020s Subject Site The former St. Paul’s Methodist Church and rectory.

North The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.) and a garage building.

South Verizon wireless occupies one office building (128 W. Green St) and the other commercial office building appeared to be vacant (31 N. church St.).

East N. Lee Ct. followed by a parking lot.

West The Hazleton Public Library (55 N. Church St.).

In summary, the first church dedicated to St. Paul, reported to have been constructed in 1860, according to its current owners. The original church was later replaced by a new structure in 1873 and was further replaced in the 1890s. The structure which currently occupies the subject site was constructed in 1898. The building has been renovated several times in its history with reported renovations occurring in 1932, 1950, 1972, and in the late 1990s, according to records kept by the Hazleton Standard Speaker, a local news source. The church was then closed in 2004 and subsequently abandoned.

Northern adjoining properties originally consisted of residential dwellings and two of the adjoining parcels were later acquired by the Hazleton Area Public Library. The dwellings were razed, and additions to the library were constructed on the parcels in 1969. The remaining third parcel currently contains a small garage and a four-car parking lot.

The property to the east of the subject site originally contained the Green Street Public School with the structure present on the property in the 1905 Sanborn Maps but no longer be visible as of the 1993 aerial photos. It currently contains an asphalt paved parking lot.

To the south of the subject site, on the opposite side of West Green Street, two commercial office buildings are currently present. They were first observed to be present in the 1938 aerial photo.

The adjoining parcel to the west contains the Hazleton Area Public Library. The property originally contained a residential dwelling and was later replaced by the library in 1912. The building was later renovated in 1969, accompanying the acquisition of two northern adjoining parcels by the library.

Per ASTM E1527-21, review of standard historical sources at less than approximately five-year intervals are not required by this practice. If the specific use of the property appears unchanged over a period longer than five years, then it is not required to research the use during the period.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 9

Data gaps of greater than five years were identified as: 1909-1938, 1938-1946, and 1949-1955.

These data gaps are not considered significant.

5.2 Government Records Review

EDR was contracted to supply the government database and records search report concerning the potential for hazardous materials and petroleum products within the approximate minimum search distance of the subject site. These records are maintained at both the federal and state levels. As per ASTM standards E1527-13 and E1527-21, section 8.1.3, “accuracy and completeness of record information varies among information sources, including governmental sources. Record information is often inaccurate or incomplete. Neither the user nor the environmental professional is obligated to identify mistakes or insufficiencies in information provided.”

A listing of the database entries identified and a description of the contents of each identified database entry is presented on the table below. The complete listing of the databases searched, the definitions for each database, and the date the databases were last updated can be found in Appendix G. EDR provided Isett with the database on September 29, 2022.

In addition to 48 mapped sites, the database identified one orphan site. This orphan site has been reviewed, and it has been determined that it is not within the approximate minimum distance searched under ASTM Protocols. Therefore, this site will not be considered further in this report. The mapped sites are summarized in the table below.

Table 6: Government Database Summary

Database Search

Distance (miles)

No. of Facilities

Listed

Facilities of potential concern to the subject site

Standard Environmental Records Federal SEMS Archive (SEMS-ARCHIVE) Sites, formerly CERCLIS NFRAP

0.5 2 0

Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Actions (CORRACTS) Facilities

1.0 1 0

Federal RCRA Generators List 0.25 2 0 State Equivalent National Priority List PA Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA)

1.0 1 0

State Leaking Storage Tank Lists

(LUST/LAST)

0.5 16 0

State Registered Storage Tank Lists

(UST/AST)

0.25 13 0

State Institutional Control/Engineering Control Registries (PA Act 2 Deed)

0.5 5 0

State Voluntary Cleanup Sites (VCP) 0.5 7 0 Federal Brownfields Sites 0.5 1 0

EDR Proprietary Databases Historical Manufactured Gas Plant 1.0 1 0 Historical Auto Service 0.125 3 0 Historical Dry Cleaner 0.125 1 0

5.2.1 Federal and State Records

Isett has evaluated the listings in the EDR environmental database search report as part of this Phase I ESA. However, Isett has limited its discussion of the listings to those for the subject site, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 10 adjoining properties, and nearby properties that could potentially pose a REC to the subject site.

Further discussions of the identified sites are located in Section 6.0.

Subject Site

The subject site was not listed on the searched databases.

Adjoining Properties

One adjoining property, Hazleton Central Office, was listed on the searched databases. This was the southern adjoining property located at 128 West Green Street. It was listed on the aboveground storage tank (AST) list and the Archive AST list.

Under the AST listing, the commercial office building was reported to contain an active 2,000-gallon diesel fuel AST. No violations were noted under the listing.

Under the Archive AST listing, the property was noted to formerly contain a 5,000-gallon kerosene AST. The tank was noted to have been closed without a permit, and no violations were noted in the listing.

Nearby Properties

Three nearby properties were listed on the searched databases. This included the former Stockton City Landfill (Intersection of North Church Street and West Green Street), One Hour Master Care (23 North Church Street) and the Orloski Service Station (22 North Church Street).

The former Stockton City Landfill, reported to have been located at the Intersection of North Church Street and West Green Street, is an incorrect listing.

The One Hour Master Care, located at 23 North Church Street, was listed on the EDR historical cleaner database.

Under the Hist Cleaner listing the property was noted to have operated as a dry cleaner from 1995 to 1996. No violations were noted in the listing.

The Orloski Service Station, located at 22 North Church Street, was listed on Historical Auto database.

Under the historical auto database, the property was noted to have operated as a gasoline service station in 1992 under the name Sam’s Amoco Service Station, and later in 1997 under the name Orlowski Service Station.

5.3 Activity and Use Limitation Database Review

“The Pennsylvania Activity and Use Limitation (PA AUL) Registry website provides the public with information on properties within Pennsylvania that have some form of use restriction or ongoing obligation associated with a remediation. The Uniform Environmental Covenants Act (UECA) requires DEP to maintain a registry of properties with environmental covenants. The PA AUL Registry meets this requirement by including properties with environmental covenants, deed restrictions, post remediation care plans or any other AUL document” (https://gis.dep.pa.gov/pa-aul/AulMap.html).

Deeds and land titles are the responsibility of the User of the report to provide to the Environmental Professional (EP). Isett note’s that none were provided. Isett has reviewed the PA AUL database which provides details of AUL’s within the State from 2008 to present.

https://gis.dep.pa.gov/pa-aul/AulMap.html https://gis.dep.pa.gov/pa-aul/AulMap.html

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 11

The subject site was not listed as an AUL site. No AUL sites were listed for the adjoining properties.

5.4 Municipal Right-to-Know Request

A formal Right-to-Know request was submitted to the City of Hazleton on September 29, 2022. Mr.

Christopher T. Pavlick of the City of Hazleton responded on October 5, 2022, that the city had no environmental records. Documentation is included in Appendix H.

5.5 State File Request

According to ASTM E1527-13 and ASTM E1527-21, “the purpose of the regulatory file review is to obtain sufficient information to assist the environmental professional in determining if a recognized environmental condition, a controlled recognized environmental condition, or a de minimis condition exists at the property, in connection with the listing” (ASTM E1527-13 Section 8.2.2.1 and E1527-21 Section 8.2.3.1).

Public information that is not readily available on PA DEP’s websites can be requested by scheduling an informal file review under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law. Correspondence with the PA DEP is included in Appendix H.

On September 30, 2022, a request for an informal file review was submitted to the Northeast Regional Office to determine if files exist for the subject site under the following programs: Air Quality, Clean Water, Environmental Cleanup (Storage Tanks, Hazardous Sites), Safe Drinking Water, Waste Management, and Waterways and Wetlands. The following site name(s)/address(es) were referenced in the request: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 133-139 West Green Street, Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, and Downtown Hazleton Alliance. Ms. Susan Bednar of the PA DEP, Records Management Division – Northeast Regional Office, responded on October 12, 2022, to report that the Department has no files in connection with these names or address.

5.5.1 PA DEP eFACTS and ESA Search Website

Isett reviewed the eFACTs and ESA Search websites on September 30, 2022. No listings were identified for the subject site.

5.6 Review of Prior Reports

No prior environmental assessment reports were provided to Isett for review or consideration.

6.0 SITE RECONNAISSANCE

Isett representatives Mr. Jeramie Glynn and Mr. Timothy Sisock visited the subject site on September 29, 2022. Weather conditions at the time of the reconnaissance were overcast, with a temperature in the 50s (degrees Fahrenheit). Isett was accompanied by Ms. Yosara Gonzales of the Downtown Hazelton Alliance for Progress. The site reconnaissance consisted of a walk-through of interior and exterior areas of the property. Additionally, Isett observed adjoining and nearby properties from the site and publicly accessible areas.

The subject site is located at 133-139 West Green Street in the City of Hazleton, Luzerne County, PA. The subject site is developed with a church with an attached rectory. The church building contains a sanctuary, classrooms, public meeting areas, and small kitchen. At the time of this Phase I ESA, the subject site is owned by the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress and the property has been abandoned since 2004.

The subject site was reported to be connected to the public water and sewer systems. The subject site was heated by forced hot air heating circulation system fueled by heating oil. Six 275-gallon

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 12 heating oil ASTs were connected to this system. The tanks were located in the basement of the building. Electricity was reported to have been previously supplied to the subject site by PPL. Site Photographs and a Site Map are included in Appendix I.

6.1 Buildings

The subject site contains the former St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and the attached rectory.

The structure itself was originally constructed in 1898 and was utilized as a church, Sunday school, and a rectory for the local reverend. It would remain in use for over a century, until it was closed in 2004. The subject site has been abandoned ever since then. The building was constructed with brick exterior wall with wooden framing. The building was noted to have a mix of carpeted and wooden floors throughout the building. Broken sections were present within the wooden floors throughout the building, with gaps in the basement exposing the stacked stone foundation of the building. Wrapped piping was observed to extend across the ceiling of the basement within utility access areas.

The building’s kitchen was present within the basement, with a separate corridor that led to a dirt floor section of the basement, where the heating system’s boiler was observed. An enclosed area atop a concrete pad was observed in this area. Within this enclosure were six 275-gallon heating oil ASTs. Clear signs of petroleum staining were observed on the concrete and the odor of petroleum was present.

The second-story floors of the church were observed to have been former classrooms used for Sunday school secessions by the church. These areas were noted to be carpeted with broken sections exposing the wooden floor underneath. The paint on the walls and ceiling was observed to be peeling in multiple places. Signs of former squatters in these areas were observed along with cut pipes, which suggested that scavengers had removed heating radiators from the building. Several rooms within the upper floors were observed to have tiled ceilings, and one large open room was noted to have a ceiling comprised of tin tiles which were then painted over. The ceiling was observed to be in poor condition in multiple places with fallen tiles observed on the floor.

The attached rectory was observed to be in similar condition to the main church and its addition.

The rectory’s basement was accessible within its kitchen, with conditions similar to the church’s basement. The floor was observed to be uncovered dirt with a separate boiler present for the rectory’s heat. Piping for this system was observed to extend along the walls along with other wrapped piping.

6.2 Exterior

The exterior areas surrounding the building consisted of concrete sidewalks along the southern and eastern exteriors. A paved walkway is present along the western exterior leading to a back patio behind the church. A boarded-up stairway that was believed to lead to the church basement was observed here.

A pole mounted electrical transformer was observed along the eastern exterior of the church. It is unknown if this transformer contains polychlorinated biphenyls.

6.3 Adjoining Properties

The northeast adjoining parcel was observed to obtain a two-car garage and an asphalt four car parking lot. The neighboring parcels to the north and west are occupied by the Hazleton Area Public Library. To the south of the subject site is West Green Street followed by two commercial office buildings. One of which is currently occupied by Verizon Wireless offices and the other building was observed to be vacant. To the east of the subject site is North Lee Court followed by a paved asphalt parking lot.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 13

6.4 Summary

A summary of site observations is provided below.

Table 7: Site Reconnaissance Summary Observed

Observation Yes No

Comments

Structures (existing) X

Structures (evidence of former) X

Summary of Building Materials (note non-ASTM considerations such as mold, suspect asbestos containing materials, lead-based paint, etc.)

X

Brick building with a wooden frame atop a stacked stone foundation. Peeling paint, presumed to be lead based, observed within the building. Pipes wrapped in potentially asbestos containing materials observed.

Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) X Six heating oil ASTs observed within the basement.

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) X

Drums or Other Containers X

Compressed Gas Storage X

Leaks, Spills, or Releases Around ASTs, USTs, and/or Chemical Storage Areas

X Signs of petoleum staining on the concrete floor surrounding the heating oil ASTs in the basement of the building.

Stained or Corroded Floors, Walls, or Drains X

Pipes of Unknown Origin or Use X

Hydraulic Lifts or Elevators X

Transformers X Pole-mounted transformer along the eastern exterior.

Hazardous Waste Disposal Areas X

Uncontained Debris, Refuse, or Unidentified Waste Materials X Building debris, and garbage within the building.

Standing Water or Other Liquids X

Floor Drains or Sumps X

Catch Basins, Dry Wells, and Storm Water Drainage X

Pits/Ponds/Lagoons X

Waste or Wastewater Discharges X

Oil/Water Separators X

On-site Septic System X

Unusual Odors X Odor of petroleum near the AST storage area.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 14

Table 7: Site Reconnaissance Summary Observed

Observation Yes No

Comments

Stressed Vegetation/Stained Soil X

Fill Material X

Wells X

Other Observations X

7.0 FINDINGS AND OPINIONS

A summary of the findings of this Phase I ESA is provided below. Supporting information and details can be found within the preceding sections of this report. The report should be read in its entirety to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the information summarized below.

7.1 Interviews

The current property owners confirmed that the subject site formerly utilized a heating oil system, which is currently inoperable. Six 275-gallon heating oil ASTs were observed within the basement. Petroleum staining was visible on the floor during the site reconnaissance.

Ms. Yosara Gonzales reported that she believed the peeling paint observed within the building during the site reconnaissance to be lead-based.

7.2 Historical Research and Data Gaps

The St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and attached rectory has been present on the subject site since 1898. It had been utilized as a church, Sunday school, and rectory since its initial construction until the building’s closure in 2004. The building has been abandoned into the present day.

Data gaps of greater than five years were identified as: 1909-1938, 1938-1946, and 1949- 1955. These data gaps are not considered significant.

7.3 Government Records

One of the southern adjoining properties, 128 W Green Street, currently contains a 2,000-gallon diesel fuel AST and formerly contained a 5,000-gallon diesel fuel AST. Based on the no violations being listed for this property this does not constitute a REC.

The former Stockton City Landfill, reported to have been located at the Intersection of North Church Street and West Green Street, is an incorrect listing and is therefore not a REC.

The One Hour Master Care, located at 23 North Church Street, was listed on the EDR historical cleaner database. The listing noted that the property had operated as a dry cleaner from 1995 to 1996. No violations were noted in the listing. Due to the distance from the subject site this does not constitute a REC.

The Orloski Service Station, located at 22 North Church Street, was listed as a historical auto property. The listing noted the property operated as a gasoline service station in 1992 under the name Sam’s Amoco Service Station, and later in 1997 under the name Orlowski Service Station. Due to the distance from the subject site this does not constitute a REC.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 15

7.4 Site Reconnaissance

Six 275-gallon heating oil ASTs were observed within the basement of the subject site. Signs of petroleum staining were observed along with a noticeable odor of petroleum products.

These signs of petroleum contamination would constitute a REC that warrants further investigation.

The subject site was not powered with electricity during the site reconnaissance, and visual limitations were experienced within the dimly lit areas within the building where windows were not present or boarded up. This limited direct visual observation within these areas and could potentially limit the EP’s ability to identify RECs.

8.0 CONCLUSIONS

Isett has performed this Phase I ESA in conformance with the scope and limitation of ASTM Practice E1527-21 (and in compliance with 40 CFR Part 312) of the property located at 133-139 West Green Street, City of Hazleton, Luzerne County, PA. Any exceptions to, or deletions from, this practice are described in the Limitations section under Section 11.0 of this report.

8.1 Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)

This Phase I ESA has revealed evidence of the following REC in connection with the subject site:

1. Six 275-gallon heating oil ASTs were observed within the basement of the building. Signs of petroleum staining were observed on the concrete pad surrounding the tanks, and the odor of petroleum was present in the area the ASTs. The potential for a release to have contaminated the soil on-site exists.

8.2 Non-ASTM Considerations

Non-ASTM are conditions that are beyond the Scope of ASTM E1527-13 and E1527-21 but have been noted during this assessment.

Potential asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were noted during the site investigation.

This included plaster and pipe wrappings.

Within the basement and former school sections of the building, potential mold was observed.

Peeling paint was observed throughout the interior of the building on the subject site. Given the age of the building, the possibility of lead-based paint cannot be ruled out.

8.3 Vapor Encroachment Concerns (VECs)

Isett has assessed vapor encroachment concerns (VECs) using the Tier 1 VES approach, in general accordance with ASTM E2600-15. VECs were assessed within the body of the report. Based on the resources evaluated as part of this Phase I ESA, a VEC cannot be ruled out due to the above listed REC.

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

This Phase I ESA has revealed evidence of RECs in connection with the subject site that warrant the following recommendation:

1. Additional investigation is warranted at the subject site to determine if impacts are present from the six heating oil ASTs observed in the basement.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – 133-139 West Green Street 16

10.0 SIGNIFICANT ASSUMPTIONS

This Phase I ESA used visual observation, review of reasonably ascertainable government databases, and interviews of the User of the report, the current property owner(s), key site manager(s), and/or municipal officials in the preparation of this report. A private database company was contacted to obtain a listing of government files within the approximate minimum search distance specified by ASTM standards. Isett has not attempted to verify the accuracy of the information provided by this private database company. Information gathered during interviews and review of available documents was assumed to be reliable.

Conclusions reached regarding the conditions of the subject site do not represent a warranty that all areas within the property are of a similar quality as may be inferred from observable conditions and available information. As stated in the ASTM Standard E1527-21 (Section 4.5.1), no Phase I ESA can wholly eliminate uncertainty regarding the potential for environmental liability in connection with the property, Isett’s evaluation and analysis are intended to reduce, not eliminate, the potential for conditions that result in liability for the end user of this Phase I ESA.

11.0 LIMITATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

A Title Search/Title Abstract, including environmental liens and AULs, was requested from the User of the report. As described in ASTM Standard Protocols E1527-21 Section 6.2.1, it is the User of the report’s responsibility to provide the EP title search documents and information.