The following contaminants were tested:
- Petroleum hydrocarbons
- Metals (e.g lead and cadmium)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (solvents historically used in maintenance/cleaning)
- Semi Volatile Organic Compounds (compounds found in petroleum products)
- Pesticides/herbicides
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (coolants historically used in electrical equipment)
Contaminant Category Historical Sources
- Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH): Diesel fuel, gasoline, engine oil, grease
- Metals: Batteries, truing (grinding) for train wheel and track maintenance, treated wood (rail ties)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Solvents, degreasers, painting products (resins, sealants, solvents, lacquers, varnish)
- Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs): Paint strippers, resins, adhesives, degreasers
- Pesticides/Herbicides:Landscape maintenance and pest management
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors and other electrical equipment. Also found in fluorescent light fixtures and hydraulic oils.