Greenbelt Standpipe Rehabilitation Project Summary of Air and Soil Monitoring Results

Recent independent air monitoring conducted during paint removal activities at the Greenbelt Standpipe Tank Rehabilitation Project found lead levels approximately 15 times lower than EPA health-based standard for outdoor air. These independent results show project dust controls are working as intended and that measured lead levels are well below the limit set to protect public health. 

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What The Results Mean

Air monitoring during paint removal/abrasive blasting in April - May 2026 showed that lead levels were well below the EPA's health-based standard for outdoor air. Independent consultants did the testing, and the results show that containment measures are working.

Important Note

Before blasting began, air quality was measured to establish a baseline. Results during blasting are compared to the original conditions. While this monitoring does not constitute an official EPA compliance check, it is a commonly used method for carefully monitoring airborne dust and ensuring containment measures are working properly during construction activities.

Why is Testing Necessary During Abrasive Blasting?

Abrasive blasting is the project activity most likely to affect air quality. That’s why the air is monitored in 8-hour periods when airborne dust is expected to be highest. These tests also check how well our dust containment measures are working. The results are then compared to the EPA health-based standard.

Protecting Air Quality

• Dust is captured at the source
• Work areas are enclosed
• Material is safely contained and disposed of
• Independent air monitoring verifies performance

Independent Testing

Soil and Land Use Technology, Inc. (SaLUT), an environmental consulting company, is handling air and soil monitoring and analysis for the Greenbelt Standpipe Tank Rehabilitation Project. Their lab measures lead in Total Suspended Particles (TSP), a standard method for assessing airborne dust. Soil samples are also collected and analyzed to determine the amount of lead present. Results are reported in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), which measures the amount of lead contained in the soil. The results here are based on samples SaLUT collected during blasting in April - May 2026.

What About Soil Testing?

• Along with air monitoring, SaLUT is also testing soil samples.
• During this reporting period, SaLUT analyzed six soil samples for lead. Lead was found in five of them, with the highest level being recorded at 130 mg/kg.
• For comparison, EPA’s updated guidance for residential soil lead sets 200 mg/kg as the screening level. The highest soil result this period was 130 mg/kg, which is below that level. 

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What's Next? 

• SaLUT will keep monitoring the air and soil during blasting.
• We expect independent testing reports in July and August.
• We will keep sharing results with the community as we receive them.
• If monitoring finds any concerns, corrective action will be taken right away.

Full Report and Additional Information

• Download the full environmental monitoring report (PDF 8.5 MB)
• Download the Greenbelt Standpipe Rehabilitation Project Briefing Memo (PDF 753 KB)
• For additional information, please contact Christopher DeHerde:
  • Phone: 301-206-8560 
  • Email: [email protected]